What does mercury mean?
Mercury is chiefly the name of a dense, silvery chemical element whose symbol is Hg. It is the only metal that remains liquid at ordinary room temperature, although it is toxic and its use has declined because of environmental and health concerns. Mercury was formerly widely employed in thermometers, barometers, and some electrical equipment. The same name also belongs to Mercury, the innermost planet of the Solar System, and to the Roman god of travel, commerce, and communication, corresponding to the Greek god Hermes. In older English, a mercury could mean a swift messenger. The word therefore connects astronomy, mythology, chemistry, and an older literary sense associated with speed. Its best-known everyday associations are the silver liquid in traditional thermometers and the planet known for its extreme temperatures and cratered surface.
nounMercury is the chemical element represented by Hg, a silvery metal that is liquid at room temperature and formerly used in thermometers and other instruments. The name also refers to the Roman messenger god and to the innermost planet of the Solar System.
- The chemical element Hg, a dense, silvery, toxic metal that is liquid at ordinary room temperature.
- The innermost planet of the Solar System, the smallest planet and the closest to the Sun.
- The Roman god of commerce, travel, communication, and thieves, identified with the Greek god Hermes.
- A swift messenger or a person regarded as a messenger, especially in older literary usage.
"The old laboratory thermometer contained mercury in a narrow sealed tube."
"Mercury is a toxic liquid metal that must be handled with specialised precautions."
"Mercury was the Roman messenger god, corresponding to the Greek Hermes."
"The spacecraft used flybys to investigate Mercury's rocky surface and unusual atmosphere."
The plural applies to countable uses such as messengers or distinct planets called Mercury; the chemical element is normally uncountable.
"The novel describes the two brothers as swift mercuries carrying their master's words across the city."
A Roman messenger god gave his name to a planet, a silvery element, and the thermometer that once made mercury a household word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mercury come from?
The English name comes through Latin Mercurius, the name of the Roman messenger god, who was identified with the Greek Hermes. The planet received the god's name because of its apparent rapid movement across the sky. The chemical element was named for the planet, and its use in thermometers helped make mercury a familiar substance. Some English words connected with commerce and trade descend from Latin merx, meaning wares, reflecting the god's traditional association with merchants, although the precise ancient name was probably borrowed rather than independently created.
How mercury is actually used
When referring to the chemical element, mercury is normally uncountable. The capitalised name Mercury usually denotes the Roman god or the planet. In older literary contexts, a mercury can mean a messenger, especially one sent with haste or urgency.
Easily confused with mercury
Mercury is the element and the name of a planet and Roman god, whereas mercenary is an adjective or noun referring to a soldier hired for payment or a person motivated chiefly by money.
Mercury is the chemical element, while mercery is an obsolete term for the business or trade of a mercer, a dealer in textiles.