MERCURY


Meaning of MERCURY in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈmər-kyə-rē, -k(ə-)rē ]

noun

( plural -ries )

Etymology: Latin Mercurius, Roman god and the planet

Date: 14th century

1.

a. capitalized : a Roman god of commerce, eloquence, travel, cunning, and theft who serves as messenger to the other gods — compare Hermes

b. often capitalized , archaic : a bearer of messages or news or a conductor of travelers

2.

[Middle English mercurie, from Medieval Latin mercurius, from Latin, the god]

a. : a silver-white poisonous heavy metallic element that is liquid at ordinary temperatures and is used especially in batteries, in dental amalgam, and in scientific instruments — called also quicksilver — see element table

b. : the column of mercury in a thermometer or barometer ; also : temperature

the mercury rose above 70 degrees

3. capitalized : the planet nearest the sun — see planet table

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.