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mercurial

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.

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.

5. (Science: medicine) Caused by the use of mercury; as, mercurial sore mouth.

Origin: L. Mercurialis, fr. Mercurius Mercury: cf. F. Mercuriel.

1. A person having mercurial qualities.

2. (Science: medicine) A preparation containing mercury.