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Mercurous: meaning, definitions and examples

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mercurous

 

[ ˈməːkjʊrəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry

Relating to or containing mercury in the bivalent state, especially with a valence of one.

Synonyms

mercuric.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mercurous

Less commonly used in modern scientific language but still seen in older texts or historical contexts discussing chemical compounds of mercury in a +1 oxidation state.

  • Mercurous nitrate was commonly used in older chemical reactions before safer alternatives were developed.
  • Historical texts on alchemy might refer to mercurous compounds.
mercuric

Also used in scientific and chemical settings, but refers to compounds where mercury is in a +2 oxidation state. These compounds are generally more toxic than mercurous compounds.

  • Mercuric chloride is highly toxic and should be handled with extreme care in the laboratory.
  • Mercuric oxide is used in some industrial processes and requires proper safety measures.

Examples of usage

  • Mercurous oxide is a compound with formula Hg2O.
  • The mercurous ion has the formula Hg2+.
Context #2 | Adjective

obsolete

Of, relating to, or derived from mercury with a valence of one; mercuric.

Synonyms

mercuric.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mercurous

This is a repeat of 'mercurous' and signifies the same usage. Likely an error or redundancy.

  • Refer to examples under 'mercurous'.
mercuric

Used in scientific contexts to describe compounds containing mercury in its +2 oxidation state. It is more common in academic texts and discussions involving chemistry.

  • Mercuric oxide is a potent oxidizing agent.
  • The toxicity of mercuric compounds is well-documented.

Examples of usage

  • The mercurous salts were once widely used in medicine.

Translations

Translations of the word "mercurous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mercuroso

🇮🇳 पारा युक्त

🇩🇪 quecksilberhaltig

🇮🇩 bermerkuri

🇺🇦 ртутний

🇵🇱 rtęciowy

🇯🇵 水銀を含む (すいぎんをふくむ)

🇫🇷 mercureux

🇪🇸 mercurioso

🇹🇷 cıvalı

🇰🇷 수은을 포함한

🇸🇦 زئبقي

🇨🇿 rtuťnatý

🇸🇰 ortuťnatý

🇨🇳 含汞的 (hán gǒng de)

🇸🇮 živosrebrov

🇮🇸 kvikasilfur

🇰🇿 сынапты

🇬🇪 ვერცხლისწყლის შემცველი

🇦🇿 cıvalı

🇲🇽 mercurioso

Etymology

The word 'mercurous' originates from the Latin word 'mercurius' which means 'pertaining to Mercury'. In the field of chemistry, 'mercurous' is used to describe compounds containing mercury with a valence of one. These compounds have been historically important, although their use has diminished due to toxicity concerns. The term 'mercurous' is mainly encountered in academic and scientific contexts today.