Dictionary

Any of the plants known as mercury, especially the annual mercury or French mercury (Mercurialis annua).

A person born under the influence of the planet Mercury; hence, a person having an animated, lively, quick-witted or volatile character.

A chemical compound containing mercury.

A preparation of mercury, especially as a treatment for syphilis.

Having a lively or volatile character; animated, changeable, quick-witted.

Example: his mercurial temperament

Pertaining to the astrological influence of the planet Mercury; having the characteristics of a person under such influence (see adjective sense 1).

Pertaining to the planet Mercury.

Of or pertaining to the element mercury or quicksilver; containing mercury.