Etymology Map
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Mine

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means an excavation for minerals; an explosive device

Where does the word "mine" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin mina, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
mina
Medieval Latin · medieval
"vein of ore"
possibly a Celtic word, like Welsh 'mwyn', ore
2
Stage 2 of 3
mine
Old French · medieval
"mine"
a tunnel for digging ore
3
Stage 3 of 3
mine
English · 1300s
"excavation"
explosive 'mines' come from tunnels dug under walls
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Read the full story

Mine’s story begins in Medieval Latin: mina meant “vein of ore.” Possibly a Celtic word, like Welsh 'mwyn', ore. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as mine. A tunnel for digging ore. It reached English by 1300s as mine. Explosive 'mines' come from tunnels dug under walls. Today, mine means an excavation for minerals; an explosive device.