min
Old Frenchdig, mine, extract; (second branch) jut out, project
About This Root
Two same-looking but distinct Latin sources meet in min. (1) mina/Vulgar Latin minare 'to mine, dig' via Old French miner gives mine, mining, miner, mineral, and undermine ('dig underneath' = secretly weaken). (2) minēre 'to jut out, project, hang over' (like a cliff over a valley) gives prominent ('jutting forward' = noticeable) and eminent ('jutting up' = distinguished), with prominence/eminence/preeminent/supereminent. Note: the minus 'small' family (minor, minute, diminish, minister) is a different root, kept under minu.
Associated Words · 10
mine
belonging to me; a mineral excavation; an explosive; to extract minerals
prominent
Easily noticed; well known or important
undermine
To gradually weaken or sabotage something
mineral
A naturally occurring inorganic substance; relating to minerals
prominence
The state of being well known or important; something that sticks out
eminent
Famous, respected, and distinguished in one's field
eminence
The state of being famous and highly respected; a distinguished person
preeminent
Superior to all others; outstanding in quality or importance
supereminent
Outstanding above all others; supremely excellent
mining
The activity of extracting minerals or resources from the earth