quicksilver

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Quotations 1.2.2 Derived terms 1.2.3 Translations 1.3 Adjective 1.4 Verb 1.5 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English quyksilver from Old English cwicseolfor. Literally "living silver" from its ability to move. See quick in the sense of living.

[edit] Noun

quicksilver (uncountable)

1. The metal mercury.
2. (colloquial) An amalgam of mercury and tin applied to the backs of mirrors, quicksilvering.

[edit] Quotations

• For examples of the usage of this term see the citations page.

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

[edit] Adjective

quicksilver (not comparable)

1. Unpredictable, erratic or fickle; mercurial.

[edit] Verb

to quicksilver (third-person singular simple present quicksilvers, present participle quicksilvering, simple past and past participle quicksilvered)

1. To overlay with quicksilver.
2. To treat with quicksilver.

[edit] References

• quicksilver in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1914