Main Entry: mer·cu·ry

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

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural mer·cu·ries

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

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.