1a. An excavation in the earth from which ore or minerals can be extracted. b. The site of such an excavation, with its surface buildings, elevator shafts, and equipment. 2. A deposit of ore or minerals in the earth or on its surface. 3. An abundant supply or source of something valuable: This guidebook is a mine of information.4a. A tunnel dug under an enemy emplacement to destroy it by explosives, cause it to collapse, or gain access to it for an attack. b. An explosive device used to destroy enemy personnel, shipping, fortifications, or equipment, often placed in a concealed position and designed to be detonated by contact, proximity, or a time fuse. 5. A burrow or tunnel made by an insect, especially a corridor on a leaf made by a leaf miner.
VERB:
Inflected forms: mined, min·ing, mines
TRANSITIVE VERB:
1a. To extract (ore or minerals) from the earth. b. To dig a mine in (the earth) to obtain ore or minerals. 2a. To tunnel under (the earth or a surface feature). b. To make (a tunnel) by digging. 3. To lay explosive mines in or under. 4. To attack, damage, or destroy by underhand means; subvert. 5. To delve into and make use of; exploit: mine the archives for detailed information.
INTRANSITIVE VERB:
1a. To excavate the earth for the purpose of extracting ore or minerals. b. To work in a mine. 2. To dig a tunnel under the earth, especially under an enemy emplacement or fortification. 3. To lay explosive mines.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *mna, probably of Celtic origin.
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