nounπShareAny of the plants known as mercury, especially the annual mercury or French mercury (Mercurialis annua)."The gardener carefully removed the mercurial growing near the tomato plants, as it's known to be a weed. "plantbiologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA person born under the influence of the planet Mercury; hence, a person having an animated, lively, quick-witted or volatile character.""Known for her unpredictable shifts in mood, Sarah was a true mercurial, one minute laughing, the next silent and withdrawn." "astrologycharacterpersonnatureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA chemical compound containing mercury."The scientist carefully handled the mercurial, noting its silvery sheen. "compoundchemistrysubstancematerialChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA preparation of mercury, especially as a treatment for syphilis."In the 19th century, a doctor might have prescribed a mercurial to a patient suffering from syphilis, despite its dangerous side effects. "medicinesubstancechemistryChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
adjectiveπShareHaving a lively or volatile character; animated, changeable, quick-witted."his mercurial temperament"charactermindpersonattitudeChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
adjectiveπSharePertaining to the astrological influence of the planet Mercury; having the characteristics of a person under such influence (see adjective sense 1)."Because he was born under the sign of Gemini, which is ruled by Mercury, the astrologer said his mercurial nature meant he would be adaptable but also prone to sudden mood swings. "astrologycharacterChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
adjectiveπSharePertaining to the planet Mercury."The ancient alchemists believed that mercury had a mercurial nature, mirroring the planet's swift movement across the sky. "astronomyastrologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
adjectiveπShareOf or pertaining to the element mercury or quicksilver; containing mercury."The old thermometer was filled with a mercurial liquid. "elementchemistrysubstanceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
adjectiveπShareCaused by the action of mercury or a mercury compound."The old thermometer's mercurial reading indicated a higher temperature than the electronic one. "chemistrysubstanceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
adjectiveπSharePertaining to Mercury, the Roman god of, among other things, commerce, financial gain, communication, and thieves and trickery; hence , money-making; crafty."The stock market is known for its mercurial nature; prices can change rapidly and unpredictably. "mythologybusinessfinancecommunicationcharactercommerceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading