mercury

noun

mer·​cu·​ry ˈmər-kyə-rē 

-k(ə-)rē

plural mercuries

1

a

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

However, research has found that the low levels of mercury in sardines pose little risk to human health.21 Pregnant people were previously advised to avoid fish due to mercury and heavy metal containment. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Earlier this month, the court let stand Biden administration rules that would cut emissions of the planet-warming gas methane as well as mercury. 5. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024

The Supreme Court earlier this month also left two other regulations aimed at reducing industry emissions of planet-warming methane and toxic mercury in place for now. —L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024

The Supreme Court left in place Friday two Biden administration environmental regulations aimed at reducing industry emissions of planet-warming methane and toxic mercury. —Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 5 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin Mercurius, Roman god and the planet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing mercury

• bichloride of mercury
• mercury chloride
• mercury-vapor lamp

Kids Definition

mercury

noun

mer·​cu·​ry ˈmər-kyə-rē 

-k(ə-)rē

1

a

: a heavy silver-white poisonous metallic element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures

called also quicksilver

see element

b

: the column of mercury in a formerly common type of thermometer or barometer

2

capitalized : the planet nearest the sun see planet

Medical Definition

mercury

noun

mer·​cu·​ry ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē 

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 Chemical Elements Table

2

: a pharmaceutical preparation containing mercury or a compound of it