mercury1
n.
the chemical element of atomic number 80, a heavy silvery-white liquid metal used in some thermometers and barometers.
(Symbol:
Hg)
Derivative
- mercuric adj.
- mercurous adj.
Etymology
ME: from L. Mercurius, the Roman god of trading and messenger of the gods.
mercury2
n.
a plant of a genus which includes dog's mercury.
[Genus
Mercurialis.]
Etymology
C16: from the genus name, from L. mercurialis ‘of the god Mercury’.