The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.
MERCURIALS
Noun
mercurials
plural of mercurial
Source: Wiktionary
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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