MERCURIALLY

Etymology

Adverb

mercurially (comparative more mercurially, superlative most mercurially)

In a mercurial manner.

Source: Wiktionary


Mer*cu"ri*al*ly, adv.

Definition: In a mercurial manner.

MERCURIAL

Mer*cu"ri*al, a. Etym: [L. mercurialis, fr. Mercurius Mercury: cf. F. mercuriel.]

1. Having the qualities fabled to belong to the god Mercury; swift; active; sprightly; fickle; volatile; changeable; as, a mercurial youth; a mercurial temperament. A mercurial man Who fluttered over all things like a fan. Byron.

2. Having the form or image of Mercury; -- applied to ancient guideposts. [Obs.] Chillingworth.

3. Of or pertaining to Mercury as the god of trade; hence, money- making; crafty. The mercurial wand of commerce. J. Q. Adams.

4. Of or pertaining to, or containing, mercury; as, mercurial preparations, barometer. See Mercury, 2.

5. (Med.)

Definition: Caused by the use of mercury; as, mercurial sore mouth.

Mer*cu"ri*al, n.

1. A person having mercurial qualities. Bacon.

2. (Med.)

Definition: A preparation containing mercury.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

26 April 2025

PYROELECTRICITY

(noun) generation of an electric charge on certain crystals (such as tourmaline) as a result of a change in temperature


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