Quicksilver: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ซ๏ธ
quicksilver
[ หkwษชkหsษชlvษr ]
chemical element
Quicksilver is the common name for the chemical element mercury. It is an element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. Known for its liquid state at room temperature, mercury has been used historically in thermometers, barometers, and other scientific instruments. Due to its toxicity, however, its use has decreased in many applications. Quicksilver has a unique silvery appearance and is one of the few metals that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Quicksilver can be used in thermometers.
- The toxicity of quicksilver poses significant health risks.
- Miners historically used quicksilver to extract gold.
mythological reference
In mythology, quicksilver is often associated with the Roman god Mercury, who was known for his speed and mobility. The term 'quicksilver' can symbolize something that is elusive or difficult to grasp. This association highlights the ephemeral and transformative qualities attributed to mercury in alchemical traditions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The swift movement of the quicksilver-like character amazed everyone.
- In literature, the quicksilver essence often represents change.
- The god Mercury is often depicted with quicksilver.
Translations
Translations of the word "quicksilver" in other languages:
๐ต๐น mercรบrio
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเคพเคฐเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Quecksilber
๐ฎ๐ฉ air raksa
๐บ๐ฆ ััััั
๐ต๐ฑ rtฤฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ๆฐด้
๐ซ๐ท mercure
๐ช๐ธ mercurio
๐น๐ท civa
๐ฐ๐ท ์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฒุฆุจู
๐จ๐ฟ rtuลฅ
๐ธ๐ฐ rtuลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๆฐด้ถ
๐ธ๐ฎ ลพivo srebro
๐ฎ๐ธ kvikasilfur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะฝะดัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ civa
๐ฒ๐ฝ mercurio
Etymology
The term 'quicksilver' has its roots in the Old English word 'cwicseolfre,' which is a combination of 'cwic' meaning 'alive' or 'living,' and 'seolfor,' meaning 'silver.' This name reflects the element's unique properties, including its liquid form and shiny, silver-like appearance. The term has been used for centuries to describe mercury, as alchemists and early chemists found it valuable for various applications due to its distinct physical and chemical properties. The etymological development of the word also mirrors the historical perception of mercury, as it was regarded not just as a metal, but also as something mystical and transformative, associated with the god Mercury in Roman mythology. Throughout the ages, the understanding of quicksilver evolved, especially as awareness of its toxicity grew, leading to restrictions on its use in everyday applications.