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