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Webster 1913 Edition

Mercurial

Mer-cu′ri-al

,
Adj.
[L.
mercurialis
, fr.
Mercurius
Mercury: cf. F.
mercuriel
.]
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.
(Med.)
Caused by the use of mercury;
as,
mercurial
sore mouth
.

Mer-cu′ri-al

,
Noun.
1.
A person having mercurial qualities.
Bacon.
2.
(Med.)
A preparation containing mercury.

Webster 1828 Edition

Mercurial

MERCU'RIAL

,
Adj.
[L. mercurialis.]
1.
Formed under the influence of Mercury; active; sprightly; full of fire or vigor; as a mercurial youth; a mercurial nation.
2.
Pertaining to quicksilver; containing quicksilver,or consisting of mercury; as mercurial preparations or medicines.

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