mercury

mer·cu·ry

noun \ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē\

plural mer·cu·ries

Definition of MERCURY

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 element table

2

: a pharmaceutical preparation containing mercury or a compound of it

Biographical Note for MERCURY

Mercury, Roman mythological character. In Roman mythology Mercury became identified with the Greek god Hermes. This god was known especially as the fleet-footed messenger of the gods. He was also the god of science and the arts and the patron of travelers and athletes. He is typically represented in art as a young man wearing a winged helmet and winged sandals and bearing a caduceus. The metal mercury was named after him most probably because he symbolizes mobility.