mercurial
View all »Definitions (24)
American Heritage Dictionary (6)
- adjective Roman Mythology Of or relating to the god Mercury.
- adjective Astronomy Of or relating to the planet Mercury.
- adjective Having the characteristics of eloquence, shrewdness, swiftness, and thievishness attributed to the god Mercury.
Century Dictionary (12)
GNU Webster's 1913 (2)
WordNet (4)
Elsewhere on the web
View all » Examples
- I found when I went to Grand Rapids that the intermittent, remittent, and pernicious fevers, which prevailed in that place and in the surrounding country, were generally treated by the resident physicians with mercurial or other cathartic remedies, followed or accompanied by Quinine and brandy or fermented drinks containing Alcohol, and opiates where they were supposed to be necessary. — Personal Experience of a Physician
- The frivolous and the mercurial were not in Calvin's make-up. — Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Reformers
- Meanwhile Carl's character was forming, and he was becoming as brilliant as the mercurial life he was leading, and at the same time as irresponsible. — The Love Affairs of Great Musicians
- The barstools on this invisible divide were always empty, a no-man's land. — Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
- "I also counseled caution, which you unwisely ignored. — Stormwarden
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View all »Etymologies (3)
American Heritage Dictionary (1)
- Middle English, of the planet Mercury, from Latin mercuriālis, of the god or planet Mercury, from Mercurius, Mercury.
Century Dictionary (1)
GNU Webster's 1913 (1)
WordNet
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Pronunciations
/ (mər-kyo͝orˈē-əl)/
ahd pronounces "mercurial"
by
American Heritage Dictionary