n.1 Chem. a silvery-white heavy liquid metallic element occurring naturally in cinnabar and used in barometers, thermometers, and amalgams; quicksilver.
Usage:
Symb.: Hg.
2 (Mercury) the planet nearest to the sun.
3 any plant of the genus Mercurialis, esp. M. perenne.
Phrases and idioms:
mercury vapour lamp a lamp in which light is produced by an electric discharge through mercury vapour.
Derivatives:
mercuric adj. mercurous adj.
Etymology: ME f. L Mercurius messenger of the gods and god of traders f. merx mercis merchandise