mine

mine

mine¹ [mīn]

pron.

[ME min < OE, gen. sing of ic, I, akin to Ger mein: for base see ME]

that or those belonging to me: the possessive form of I², used without a following noun, often after of [that book is mine; mine are better; he is a friend of mine]

possessive pronominal adj.

Archaic my: used before a word beginning with a vowel or the letter h [mine eyes, mine honor ]; also used after a noun in direct address [daughter mine]

mine² [mīn]

n.

[ME < MFr < VL * mina < Celt, as in Ir mein, Welsh mwyn, vein of metal]

1.

a) a large excavation made in the earth, from which to extract metallic ores, coal, precious stones, salt, or certain other minerals: distinguished from QUARRY³

b) the surface buildings, shafts, elevators, etc. of such an excavation

c) a deposit of ore, coal, etc.

2. any great source of supply [a mine of information]

3. a kind of fireworks device that explodes in the air and scatters a number of smaller fireworks

4. Mil.

a) a tunnel dug under an enemy's trench, fort, etc., esp. one in which an explosive is placed to destroy the enemy or its fortifications

b) an explosive charge in a container, buried in the ground for destroying enemy troops or vehicles on land, or placed in the sea for destroying enemy ships

5. Zool. the burrow of an insect, esp. of a leaf miner

vi.

mined, mining [ME minen < OFr miner]

to dig a mine; specif.,

a) to dig ores, coal, etc. from the earth

b) to dig or lay military mines

vt.

1.

a) to dig in (the earth) for ores, coal, etc.

b) to dig or remove (ores, coal, etc.) from the earth

2. to take from (a source)

3.

a) to dig a tunnel under (an enemy installation)

b) to place explosive mines in or under

4. to make hollows under the surface of [leaves mined by larvae]

5. to undermine or ruin slowly by secret methods, plotting, etc.