English

Noun

mercurial ‎(plural mercurials)

1. (obsolete) Any of the plants known as mercury. [13th-17th c.]
2. (astrology) Someone born under the influence of Mercury. [from 16th c.]
3. (now historical) A preparation of mercury, especially as a treatment for syphilis. [from 17th c.]

Adjective

mercurial ‎(comparative more mercurial, superlative most mercurial)

1. (often capitalized, see Mercurial) Pertaining to the planet Mercury. [from 14th c.]
2. (often capitalized, see Mercurial) Pertaining to the Roman god Mercury, the god of trade; hence, money-making; crafty.. [from 15th c.]
   • J. Q. Adams

     the mercurial wand of commerce

3. (astrology) Born under the influence of the planet Mercury, and having such characteristics. [from 16th c.]
4. Of, or pertaining to the element mercury; containing mercury; caused by the action of mercury or quicksilver. [from 16th c.]
5. Having a volatile or lively character; quick-witted, changeable, animated. [from 17th c.]
   • 1723, Charles Walker, Memoirs of Sally Salisbury, I:

     From the natural Mercurial Briskness of her Temper, a sedentary Life had ever been her Aversion [...].

   • 2016 October 22, Rami G Khouri, “Lebanese oligarchy preserves its interests once again”, in Aljazeera:

     Lebanon has shown once again that it is a land of dazzling deals and mercurial personalities, including in the realm of the national presidency itself.

Derived terms

Related terms

• mercuric, mercury, Mercury

Translations

Spanish

Adjective

mercurial m, f ‎(plural mercuriales)

1. mercurial