Mercury
/'mə:kjuri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A heavy, silvery, toxic metallic element that is liquid at room temperature: Mercury is a chemical element (symbol Hg) known for being the only metal that is liquid under standard conditions for temperature and pressure.
- Temperature measured by a mercury thermometer: Used informally to refer to the temperature reading, as mercury was historically the liquid used in many thermometers.
- (Mercury) The smallest and innermost planet in the Solar System: The planet closest to the Sun.
- (Mercury) The Roman god of commerce, communication, and travel, messenger of the gods: In Roman mythology, the counterpart to the Greek god Hermes.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Element):
- The old thermometer contained mercury.
- Mercury pollution is a serious environmental concern.
- Noun (Temperature):
- The mercury dropped below freezing last night.
- Noun (Planet):
- Mercury has a very thin atmosphere.
- Noun (Mythology):
- Mercury was often depicted with winged sandals.
Advanced Usage
- "The mercury is rising": An idiom meaning the temperature is increasing; often used figuratively to indicate that a situation is becoming more intense or active.
- With summer approaching, the mercury is rising.
- Tensions in the region are high; the mercury is rising.
- "The mercury is falling": An idiom meaning the temperature is decreasing.
- Bundle up; the mercury is falling fast.
Variants and Related Words
- Mercurial (adjective): Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind; lively, quick-witted. (Derived from the perceived qualities of the god Mercury and the mobility of liquid mercury).
- She has a mercurial temperament.
- Mercuric (adjective): Relating to mercury with a valence of two.
- Mercuric chloride is a compound.
- Mercurous (adjective): Relating to mercury with a valence of one.
Synonyms
- Quicksilver: Another name for the metallic element mercury, emphasizing its liquid, shiny appearance.
- Hydrargyrum: The Latin origin of the chemical symbol 'Hg'.
Related Phrases
- Mad as a hatter: A historical idiom related to mercury poisoning, as hat makers used mercury nitrate in felt production, which could cause neurological damage.
- His erratic behavior made him seem mad as a hatter.
Related Idioms
- "To have mercury in one's veins": To be very energetic, quick, or restless. (A less common, figurative idiom).
- The young athlete seems to have mercury in his veins.
Noun
- temperature measured by a mercury thermometer
- the mercury was falling rapidly
- the smallest planet and the nearest to the sun
- (Roman mythology) messenger of Jupiter and god of commerce; counterpart of Greek Hermes
- a heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent metallic element; the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures