ore

ore · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted.

Forms

plural: ores

Phrases & expressions

  • ore deposit — a natural concentration of ore
  • ore body — a mass of ore in the ground
  • iron ore — rock containing iron that can be extracted

Related words

See also: metal, mine, mineral, mining
Synonyms: mineral

Etymology

From Old English ora ("unwrought metal, ore"), of uncertain origin, possibly related to ar ("brass, copper").