mercury

noun

mer·​cu·​ry ˈmər-kyə-rē 

-k(ə-)rē

plural mercuries

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 Chemical Elements 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 Planets Table

Examples of mercury in a Sentence

In the summer, the mercury can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Most have suction strengths between the high 200s and 350 mmHg (mmHg means millimeters of mercury, which is the standard unit for measuring vacuum pressure). —Simone Scully, Parents, 16 Apr. 2024

Their biggest targets are mercury and lead contamination. —Simeon Tegel, NPR, 2 Apr. 2024

About 20 employees were evaluated and tested at the scene for possible exposure to mercury. —Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2024

The weather whiplash from Tuesday to Wednesday included: The mercury dipped into the 20s, with windchills in the teens, in Chicago. —Kathryn Prociv, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024

Remnants of the Sulphur Bank mercury mine Superfund site in Clearlake Oaks, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. —CBS News, 27 Feb. 2024

Heavy metals can accumulate in the liver as the result of dental fillings that have a high level of mercury, and too much can cause toxicity. —Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

One employee showed elevated levels of mercury and was treated on scene by paramedics. —Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2024

The report found that each year, improperly processed e-waste releases more than 125,000 pounds of mercury alone, imperiling the health of humans and other animals. —Matt Simon, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin Mercurius, Roman god and the planet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mercury

• bichloride of mercury
• mercury chloride
• mercury-vapor lamp

Kids Definition

mercury

noun

mer·​cu·​ry ˈmər-kyə-rē 

-k(ə-)rē

1

a

: a heavy silver-white poisonous metallic element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures

called also quicksilver

see element

b

: the column of mercury in a thermometer or barometer

2

capitalized : the planet nearest the sun see planet

Medical Definition

mercury

noun

mer·​cu·​ry ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē 

plural mercuries

1

: a heavy silver-white poisonous metallic element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures and used especially in scientific instruments

—symbol Hg

called also quicksilver

see Chemical Elements Table

2

: a pharmaceutical preparation containing mercury or a compound of it