Mine \Mine\, n. [F., fr. LL. mina. See {Mine}, v. i.]
   
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   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.
          
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   2. Any place where ore, metals, or precious stones are got by
      digging or washing the soil; as, a placer mine.
      
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   3. (Fig.): A rich source of wealth or other good. --Shak.
      
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   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.
          
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