mercury

noun

mer·cu·ry | \ ˈmər-kyə-rē

, -k(ə-)rē\

plural mercuries

Definition of mercury

1a 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

Cutting out high-mercury fish: tuna, shark and swordfish. — Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, "A New Treatment for Alzheimer's? It Starts With Lifestyle," 16 Nov. 2018 Sardines are a low-mercury choice and pack nearly 1,000 milligrams of omega-3s in just 3½ ounces. — Consumer Reports, Washington Post, "From oatmeal to sardines, 7 foods that really can help hearts stay healthy," 7 May 2018 And Nigeria are hoping the temperature will work in their favour in the southern Russian city, where the mercury is expected to still be topping 30 Celsius at the 1800 local-time kick-off (1500 GMT). — Daniel Hicks, chicagotribune.com, "Nigeria coach Rohr on Iceland match: 'we will not lose this game'," 21 June 2018 Thursday night: Too warm, not enough moisture As the next storm system approaches the region Thursday afternoon, the mercury is expected to rise into the upper 40s or even near 50. — Jason Samenow, Washington Post, "Thursday night and Super Bowl Sunday present snow chances, but rain is more likely," 31 Jan. 2018 No children are allowed at the mine, and toxic chemicals like mercury and arsenic are reduced and contained so no leakages can damage the environment or communities around. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "Jeweler Pippa Small’s New Collection Was Hand-Forged 4,000 Meters Up in Bolivia," 22 Oct. 2018 The intricate metallic gown was crafted from velvet lamé and lace, with mercury and stone embellishments throughout. — Andrea Park, Glamour, "Lady Gaga Wore Silver Givenchy to the 'A Star Is Born' Premiere, and It Will Slay You," 25 Sep. 2018 The city last experienced a 100-degree temperature on July 6, 2012, when the temperature jumped to 103 degrees, and that was the hottest since July 13, 1995, when the mercury hit 104 degrees. — Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Temperature and rainfall totals are jumping," 27 June 2018 My 30-plus marathons include 2012 in Boston, when the mercury hit 87 degrees. — Jon Chesto, BostonGlobe.com, "Rain drops like tiny darts, blisters that cut like a serrated knife. A Globe reporter on the worst of what runners are braving out there," 16 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mercury.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.