mercury

mer·cu·ry

noun \ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē\

plural mer·cu·ries

Definition of MERCURY

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

Examples of MERCURY

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

Origin of MERCURY

Latin Mercurius, Roman god and the planet

First Known Use: 14th century