2 entries 1 source
Mercurial
Open directlyWebster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 1 of 2
Part of speech: noun (n.)
1. A person having mercurial qualities. Bacon.
2. A preparation containing mercury.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 2 of 2
Part of speech: adjective (a.)
1. Having the qualities fabled to belong to the god Mercury; swift; active; sprightly; fickle; volatile; changeable; as, a mercurial youth; a mercurial temperament. A mercurial man Who fluttered over all things like a fan. Byron.
2. Having the form or image of Mercury; -- applied to ancient guideposts. [Obs.] Chillingworth.
3. Of or pertaining to Mercury as the god of trade; hence, money- making; crafty. The mercurial wand of commerce. J. Q. Adams.
4. Of or pertaining to, or containing, mercury; as, mercurial preparations, barometer. See Mercury, 2.
5. Caused by the use of mercury; as, mercurial sore mouth.