mercurial



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Mercurial \Mer*cu"ri*al\, n.
   1. A person having mercurial qualities. --Bacon.
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   2. (Med.) A preparation containing mercury.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Mercurial \Mer*cu"ri*al\, a. [L. mercurialis, fr. Mercurius
   Mercury: cf. F. mercuriel.]
   1. Having the qualities fabled to belong to the god Mercury;
      swift; active; sprightly; fickle; volatile; changeable;
      as, a mercurial youth; a mercurial temperament.
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            A mercurial man
            Who fluttered over all things like a fan. --Byron.
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   2. Having the form or image of Mercury; -- applied to ancient
      guideposts. [Obs.] --Chillingworth.
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   3. Of or pertaining to Mercury as the god of trade; hence,
      money-making; crafty.
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            The mercurial wand of commerce.       --J. Q. Adams.
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   4. Of or pertaining to, or containing, mercury; as, mercurial
      preparations, barometer. See Mercury, 2.
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   5. (Med.) Caused by the use of mercury; as, mercurial sore
      mouth.
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