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

As the mercury rises, Chicago residents can call 311 to request well-being checks for elderly friends or family members, or for information on the closest cooling center. — Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, "Excessive heat watch upgraded to warning: 'dangerously hot temperatures' in Chicago area," 29 June 2018 But in Turkey’s simultaneously controlled and precarious climate, eleven-a-side dramas can be both tool and indicator: to take the country’s political temperature, read the mercury in its soccer. — Patrick Keddie, The New Republic, "Understanding Authoritarianism Through Soccer," 7 May 2018 The waste byproduct contains toxic metals like lead, mercury and arsenic. — Washington Post, "North Carolina consumers could see $5B coal-ash cleanup bill," 6 July 2018 Though often laced with lead, mercury or other toxic substances, laptops and phones also contain valuable elements like gold, silver and copper. — New York Times, "E-Waste Offers an Economic Opportunity as Well as Toxicity," 5 July 2018 Electronics contain heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium that can be harmful if released into the environment. — Amy Lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Electronics drop-off locations reduced by one in Porter County," 1 May 2018 The facilities in question emit hazardous air pollutants that include hydrochloric acid, lead, mercury, ethylbenzene, benzene and formaldehyde. — Alex Stuckey, Houston Chronicle, "Air pollution in Houston/Galveston region could increase under EPA-created loophole, study finds," 10 Apr. 2018 According to the release, coal dust contains toxic metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. — Erik S. Hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Black dust found on Oak Creek homes confirmed to be coal by independent study," 13 Mar. 2018 Recommendations for fish can be confusing and many people are scared to eat fish because of safety concerns related to mercury and other toxins. — Bianca Arney, baltimoresun.com, "Eating fish for your best health," 2 May 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.