mercury

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noun mer·cu·ry \ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē\

Definition of mercury

plural

mercuries

1a capitalized : a Roman god of commerce, eloquence, travel, cunning, and theft who serves as messenger to the other gods — compare hermesb 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 tableb : 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

See mercury defined for English-language learners

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Examples of mercury in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of mercury

Latin Mercurius, Roman god and the planet

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First Known Use: 14th century

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MERCURY Defined for English Language Learners

mercury

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noun

Definition of mercury for English Language Learners

: a silver metal that is liquid at normal temperatures
: the mercury in a thermometer that shows the air's temperature
Mercury : the planet that is closest to the sun

MERCURY Defined for Kids

mercury

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noun mer·cu·ry \ˈmər-kyə-rē\

Definition of mercury for Students

1 : a heavy silvery white poisonous metallic chemical element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures
2 : the column of mercury in a thermometer or barometer
3 cap : the planet that is nearest the sun and has a diameter of about 3000 miles (4700 kilometers)

Medical Dictionary

mercury

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noun mer·cu·ry \ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē\

Medical Definition of mercury

plural

mercuries

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.