Dictionary > Mercurial

Mercurial

mercurial
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.
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.
5. (Science: medicine) Caused by the use of mercury; as, mercurial sore mouth.
Origin: L. Mercurialis, fr. Mercurius Mercury: cf. F. Mercuriel.
1. A person having mercurial qualities.
2. (Science: medicine) A preparation containing mercury.

Last updated on January 19th, 2021

You will also like...

Biological Cell Defense
Biological Cell Defense

Organisms employ different strategies to boost its defenses against antigens. Humans have an immune system to combat pat..

Adaptation Tutorial
Adaptation Tutorial

Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

Nephrolepis exaltata
Vascular Plants: Ferns and Relatives

Ferns and their relatives are vascular plants, meaning they have xylem and phloem tissues. Because of the presence of va..

DNA - schematic
Genetic Mutations

This tutorial looks at the mutation at the gene level and the harm it may bring. Learn about single nucleotide polymorph..

3D rendering of an antibody
Passive and Active Types of Immunity

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell capable of producing a specific immune response to unique antigens. In thi..

Principles of Hormonal Control Systems
Principles of Hormonal Control Systems

Hormones are essential in the regulation of the activity of the various biological systems of the human body. The ineffi..