mercury

/ˈmʌrkjəri/

/ˈmʌkjəri/

Other forms: mercuries

Mercury is a silvery, liquid metal element. Before scientists understood how dangerous mercury is, several artists designed mercury fountains that were full of the strangely beautiful substance.

Another common name for mercury is quicksilver, and if you've ever seen a blob of mercury rolling around, you'll understand why. This silver-colored element is the only metal that's liquid at room temperature, and old-style thermometers have mercury inside that rises and falls to indicate temperature. One of the most beautiful and fascinating elements, it's also incredibly toxic for humans. Mercury's name came from its association with the planet and the swift-moving Roman god it's named after.

Definitions of mercury

1. noun

   a heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent metallic element; the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures
   synonyms: Hg, atomic number 80, hydrargyrum, quicksilver

   type of:

   metal, metallic element

   any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
2. noun

   temperature measured by a mercury thermometer
   “the mercury was falling rapidly”

   type of:

   temperature

   the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)