I. |mər|kyu̇rēəl, _mə(r)ˈk-, (ˈ)mə̄|k-, (ˈ)məi|k- adjective
Etymology: Latin mercurialis of the god Mercury, of the planet Mercury, from Mercurius Mercury, ancient Roman god of commerce and messenger of the gods & Mercurius Mercury, the 1st planet from the sun (from stella Mercurii, literally, star of Mercury, after Mercurius, the god Mercury; translation of Greek astēr tou Hermou, literally, star of Hermes, Greek messenger of the gods) + -alis -al
1. usually capitalized : of, relating to, or like the ancient Roman god Mercury
2.
a. : of or relating to the planet Mercury
b. : born under or influenced astrologically by the planet Mercury
3. : having qualities of eloquence, ingenuity, sharp dealing, or thievishness attributed in myth to the god Mercury and in astrology to the influence of the planet Mercury
more than mercurial thievishness — Sat. Review
4. : characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness or by quick-wittedness : sprightly , temperamental , volatile
a deeply mercurial intuitive artist — Christopher Morley
mercurial desponds — D.C.Peattie
mercurial twists of temperament — T.B.Costain
the Japanese are mercurial — high-strung, touchy, ready to fly into a rage — D.G.Haring
5.
[ Mercury + -al ]
a. : of, relating to, containing, or consisting of mercury
mercurial preparations
b. : caused by or exhibiting the physiological effect of the use of mercury
mercurial sore mouth
Synonyms: see inconstant
II. noun
( -s )
1. obsolete : a person born under Mercury or having mercurial qualities
2.
[Latin ( herba ) mercurialis dog's mercury, literally, Mercurial herb]
obsolete : good-king-henry
3. : a pharmaceutical preparation or chemical compound containing mercury
the diuretic action of mercurials