Sekirov Dictionary

mercurial

UK /məːˈkjʊə.ɹɪ.əl/US /mɝˈkjʊ.ɹi.əl/

adjective 6
noun 4
forms 5

adjective6

•
Having a lively or volatile character; animated, changeable, quick-witted.
- [Y]our Mercuriall wit hath mangonized a Gigantean fury with an humble hue. — 1642
Of or pertaining to the element mercury or quicksilver; containing mercury.
Caused by the action of mercury or a mercury compound.
•
Pertaining to the astrological influence of the planet Mercury; having the characteristics of a person under such influence (see adjective sense 1).
- The Sun to the Terms of Mercury. It inclineth the native to be Mercurial, given to study Arts and Sciences, and to delight in reading, and to follow his Calling with chearfulness. — 1682
Pertaining to the planet Mercury.
•
Pertaining to Mercury, the Roman god of, among other things, commerce, financial gain, communication, and thieves and trickery; hence (comparable), money-making; crafty.
- I know the shape of's Legge: this is his Hand: / His Foote Mercuriall: his martiall Thigh / The brawnes of Hercules: but his Iouiall face— / Murther in heaven? — 1611

noun4

A chemical compound containing mercury.
(historical) A preparation of mercury, especially as a treatment for syphilis.
A person born under the influence of the planet Mercury; hence, a person having an eloquent, quickwitted, furtive, or volatile character.
(no longer used) Any of the plants known as mercury, especially the annual mercury or French mercury (Mercurialis annua).

forms

mercurials · more Mercurial · more mercurial · most Mercurial · most mercurial

This dictionary works without the internet: on your phone · in Chrome