from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Mine \Mine\, n. [F., fr. LL. mina. See {Mine}, v. i.]
[1913 Webster]
1. A subterranean cavity or passage; especially:
(a) A pit or excavation in the earth, from which metallic
ores, precious stones, coal, or other mineral
substances are taken by digging; -- distinguished from
the pits from which stones for architectural purposes
are taken, and which are called quarries.
(b) (Mil.) A cavity or tunnel made under a fortification
or other work, for the purpose of blowing up the
superstructure with some explosive agent.
[1913 Webster]
2. Any place where ore, metals, or precious stones are got by
digging or washing the soil; as, a placer mine.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Fig.): A rich source of wealth or other good. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Mil.) An explosive device placed concealed in a location,
on land or at sea, where an enemy vehicle or enemy
personnel may pass through, having a triggering mechanism
which detects people or vehicles, and which will explode
and kill or maim personnel or destroy or damage vehicles.
A mine placed at sea (formerly called a {torpedo}, see
{torpedo}[2]
(a) ) is also called an marine mine and underwater mine
and sometimes called a floating mine, even though it
may be anchored to the floor of the sea and not
actually float freely. A mine placed on land (formerly
called a {torpedo}, see {torpedo}[3]), usually buried,
is called a land mine.
[PJC]
{Mine dial}, a form of magnetic compass used by miners.
{Mine pig}, pig iron made wholly from ore; in distinction
from {cinder pig}, which is made from ore mixed with forge
or mill cinder.
{gold mine}
(a) a mine where gold is obtained.
(b) (Fig.) a rich source of wealth or other good; same as
{Mine} 3. --Raymond.
[1913 Webster]