Main Entry: mer·cu·ry

Pronunciation: \ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural mer·cu·ries

Etymology: Latin Mercurius, Roman god and the planet

Date: 14th century

1 a capitalized : a Roman god of commerce, eloquence, travel, cunning, and theft who serves as messenger to the other gods — compare hermes b often capitalized archaic : a bearer of messages or news or a conductor of travelers
2 [Middle English mercurie, from Medieval Latin mercurius, from Latin, the god] a : a silver-white poisonous heavy metallic element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures and is used especially in batteries, in dental amalgam, and in scientific instruments —called also quicksilver — see element table b : the column of mercury in a thermometer or barometer; also : temperature <the mercury rose above 70 degrees>
3 capitalized : the planet nearest the sun — see planet table