noun, verb, mined, min⋅ing.| 1. | an excavation made in the earth for the purpose of extracting ores, coal, precious stones, etc. |
| 2. | a place where such minerals may be obtained, either by excavation or by washing the soil. |
| 3. | a natural deposit of such minerals. |
| 4. | an abundant source; store: a mine of information. |
| 5. | a device containing a charge of explosive in a watertight casing, floating on or moored beneath the surface of the water for the purpose of blowing up an enemy ship that strikes it or passes close by it. |
| 6. | a similar device used on land against personnel or vehicles; land mine. |
| 7. | a subterranean passage made to extend under an enemy's works or position, as for the purpose of securing access or of depositing explosives for blowing up a military position. |
| 8. | a passageway in the parenchyma of a leaf, made by certain insects. |
| 9. | to dig in the earth for the purpose of extracting ores, coal, etc.; make a mine. |
| 10. | to extract coal, ore, or the like, from a mine. |
| 11. | to make subterranean passages. |
| 12. | to place or lay mines, as in military or naval operations. |
| 13. | to dig in (earth, rock, etc.) in order to obtain ores, coal, etc. |
| 14. | to extract (ore, coal, etc.) from a mine. |
| 15. | to avail oneself of or draw useful or valuable material from: to mine every reference book available in writing the term paper. |
| 16. | to use, esp. a natural resource: to mine the nation's forests. |
| 17. | to make subterranean passages in or under; burrow. |
| 18. | to make (passages, tunnels, etc.) by digging or burrowing. |
| 19. | to dig away or remove the foundations of. |
| 20. | to place or lay military or naval mines under: to mine an enemy supply road. |
| 21. | Agriculture. to grow crops in (soil) over an extended time without fertilizing. |
| 22. | to remove (a natural resource) from its source without attempting to replenish it. |
