mercurial

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Adjective 1.2.1 Derived terms 1.2.2 Related terms 1.2.3 Translations 1.3 Noun

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) /mɜːˈkjʊəriəl/, /m3:"kjUəri@l/
• (US) enPR: mûrkjo͝oʹrēəl, IPA: /mɝˈkjʊriəl/, SAMPA: /m3`"kjUri@l/

[edit] Adjective

mercurial (comparative more mercurial, superlative most mercurial)

1. Volatile; erratic; unstable; flighty; fickle or changeable in temperament.
2. Lively; clever; sprightly; animated; quick-witted.

   I have a mercurial wit.

3. Having characteristics attributed to the Shakespeare character Mercutio , such as volatile, erratic, unstable, and shrewdness.
4. Of, or pertaining to the element mercury; containing mercury; caused by the action of mercury or quicksilver.
5. Having characteristics attributed to the Roman god Mercury, such as swiftness, eloquence, shrewdness, and thievishness.
6. (Roman mythology) (often capitalized, see Mercurial) Of or pertaining to the Roman god Mercury.
7. (astronomy) (often capitalized, see Mercurial) Of or pertaining to the planet Mercury; under the supposed astrological influence of the planet Mercury.

[edit] Derived terms

mercurial eczema mercurial glossitis mercurial ointment mercurial phosphorus mercurial pneumatic trough mercurial rash mercurial trough

mercurialisation, mercurialization mercurialise, mercurialize mercurialism mercurialist mercuriality mercurially organomercurial

[edit] Related terms

• mercuric, mercury, Mercury

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

mercurial (plural mercurials)

1. A chemical containing mercury.