Mercury: meaning, definitions and examples
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mercury
[ ˈmɜːrkjʊri ]
chemical element
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is a heavy, silvery-white liquid metal that is used in thermometers, barometers, and other scientific instruments. Due to its toxicity, the use of mercury in many applications has been reduced significantly over the years. It has been known since ancient times and is one of the few metals that is liquid at room temperature.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Mercury expands and contracts uniformly in a thermometer.
- The alchemist sought the secrets of mercury.
- Mercury is used in a variety of scientific instruments.
- Due to its toxic nature, mercury is carefully handled.
planet
Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and the closest to the Sun. Its surface has many craters and it has a very thin atmosphere, leading to extreme temperature variations. Mercury orbits the Sun every 88 Earth days and has a day-night cycle that lasts much longer than its year. This planet is named after the Roman messenger god.
Synonyms
celestial body, planet
Examples of usage
- Mercury is known for its extreme temperature changes.
- Astronomers study Mercury to understand planetary formation.
- Mercury orbits the Sun faster than any other planet.
- The surface of Mercury is very similar to the Moon.
Translations
Translations of the word "mercury" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mercúrio
- mercúrio (elemento químico)
- mercúrio (planeta)
🇮🇳 पारा
- पारा (रासायनिक तत्व)
- पारा (ग्रह)
🇩🇪 Quecksilber
- Quecksilber (chemisches Element)
- Merkur (Planet)
🇮🇩 merkuri
- merkuri (unsur kimia)
- merkuri (planet)
🇺🇦 ртуть
- ртуть (хімічний елемент)
- Меркурій (планета)
🇵🇱 rtęć
- rtęć (pierwiastek chemiczny)
- Merkury (planeta)
🇯🇵 水銀
- 水銀 (化学元素)
- 水星 (惑星)
🇫🇷 mercure
- mercure (élément chimique)
- Mercure (planète)
🇪🇸 mercurio
- mercurio (elemento químico)
- Mercurio (planeta)
🇹🇷 civa
- civa (kimyasal element)
- Merkür (gezegen)
🇰🇷 수은
- 수은 (화학 원소)
- 수성 (행성)
🇸🇦 زئبق
- زئبق (عنصر كيميائي)
- عطارد (كوكب)
🇨🇿 rtuť
- rtuť (chemický prvek)
- Merkur (planeta)
🇸🇰 rtuť
- rtuť (chemický prvok)
- Merkúr (planéta)
🇨🇳 汞
- 汞 (化学元素)
- 水星 (行星)
🇸🇮 živo srebro
- živo srebro (kemijski element)
- Merkur (planet)
🇮🇸 kvikasilfur
- kvikasilfur (efnafræði)
- Merkúr (pláneta)
🇰🇿 сынап
- сынап (химиялық элемент)
- Меркурий (планета)
🇬🇪 ვერცხლი
- ვერცხლი (ქიმიური ელემენტი)
- მერკური (პლანეტა)
🇦🇿 civa
- civa (kimyəvi element)
- Merkur (planet)
🇲🇽 mercurio
- mercurio (elemento químico)
- Mercurio (planeta)
Etymology
The word 'mercury' originates from the Latin word 'mercurius', which means 'messenger'. This term is also associated with the Roman god Mercury, who was known as the messenger of the gods. In ancient cultures, mercury was valued for its unique properties and was often attributed mystical qualities. Its chemical symbol 'Hg' comes from the Latin 'hydrargyrum', meaning 'water-silver', highlighting its liquid metallic nature. Over the centuries, mercury has played significant roles in alchemy and medicine but has also raised significant health concerns due to its toxic effects. From the ancient Romans to modern chemistry, the element has a rich historical significance that reflects mankind’s evolving understanding of science and safety.