Mercurial

Quick meaning: Mercurial is a noun meaning (chemistry) A chemical compound containing mercury.

Meaning

(chemistry) A chemical compound containing mercury.

More Meanings

1. (pharmacology, historical) A preparation of mercury, especially as a treatment for syphilis.
2. (comparable) Having a lively or volatile character; animated, changeable, quick-witted.
3. (not comparable, astronomy) Pertaining to the planet Mercury.
4. (not comparable, chemistry) Of or pertaining to the element mercury or quicksilver; containing mercury.
5. (astrology) A person born under the influence of the planet Mercury; hence, a person having an eloquent, quickwitted, furtive, or volatile character.
6. (not comparable, astrology) Pertaining to the astrological influence of the planet Mercury; having the characteristics of a person under such influence (see adjective sense 1).
7. (obsolete) Any of the plants known as mercury, especially the annual mercury or French mercury (Mercurialis annua).

Example Sentences

his mercurial temperament

[Y]our Mercuriall wit hath mangonized a Gigantean fury with an humble hue.

From the natural Mercurial Briskneſs of her [Sally Salisbury's] Temper, a ſedentary Life had ever been her Averſion, wherefore ſhe rather choſe to follow the Fortunes of a Wheel-Barrow, than thoſe of a Diſtaff; [...]

As for [Lambert] Simnell, there was not much in him, more then that hee was a handſome Boy, and did not ſhame his Robes. But this Youth (of whom wee are now to ſpeake) was ſuch a Mercuriall, as the like hath ſeldome beene knowne; and could make his owne part, if at any time hee chanced to bee out.

Word Forms

• mercurials
• mercuriall

Synonyms for mercurial

Depending on context, synonyms include fickle, unpredictable, erratic, quicksilver, changeable, changeful.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include quicksilver, changeful, changeable, fickle, erratic, lunatic.

Related Dictionary Tools