mercury

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 acapitalized : a Roman god of commerce, eloquence, travel, cunning, and theft who serves as messenger to the other gods — compare hermes boften capitalized archaic : a bearer of messages or news or a conductor of travelers2 [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>3capitalized : the planet nearest the sun — see planet table

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