Ore Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɒr/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A naturally occurring material that contains valuable substances, such as metals or gemstones, and is typically extracted from the earth or an ore deposit.

Examples

• The mining company extracted gold from the ore to produce jewelry.
• The geologist studied the ore sample to determine its composition.

Synonyms

• Mineral
• Metalliferous material

Antonyms

• Waste
• Debris

Additional Information

Ores can be found in a variety of forms, including rocks, sediment, and fluids. They can be classified based on their chemical composition, geological origin, and economic significance. Ore deposits are often formed through geological processes, such as plate tectonics and magmatic activity.

Ore processing involves various methods, including crushing, grinding, and separation, to extract the valuable substances from the ore. The extracted materials can then be used in a range of applications, including construction, manufacturing, and electronics.

Etymology

The word “ore” comes from the Old English word “or”, which means “ore” or “metal”. It has been used in the English language since the Middle Ages to refer to a naturally occurring material that contains valuable substances.

Usage Notes

In mining and geology, the term “ore” is used specifically to refer to a naturally occurring material that contains valuable substances. In everyday language, the term can be used more broadly to refer to any material that is rich in valuable substances.

Cultural References

Ore has appeared in various cultural references, including literature, film, and music. In the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”, the protagonist uses an ore to reveal a hidden treasure. In the movie “The Mummy”, the protagonist must navigate an ancient temple filled with ore to prevent a curse.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

A goldmine of information

To strike ore

Related Words or Phrases

Metal

Mineral

Gemstone

Collocations

Ore mine

Ore deposit

Ore processing

Frequency of Use

Ore is a relatively common term in modern language, particularly in fields such as mining, geology, and engineering. It can be used in a variety of contexts to refer to a naturally occurring material that contains valuable substances.

Common Misspellings

Ore is often misspelled as “or” or “oree”. It is important to use the correct spelling to ensure accurate communication.