01 a. Having the qualities fabled to belong to the god Mercury; swift; active; sprightly; fickle; volatile; changeable; as, a mercurial youth; a …
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1.
Having the qualities fabled to belong to the god Mercury; swift; active; sprightly; fickle; volatile; changeable; as, a mercurial youth; a mercurial temperament.“A mercurial man Who fluttered over all things like a fan.” — Byron.
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2.
Having the form or image of Mercury; -- applied to ancient guideposts.[Obs.]
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3.
Of or pertaining to Mercury as the god of trade; hence, money-making; crafty.“The mercurial wand of commerce.” — J. Q. Adams.
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4.
Of or pertaining to, or containing, mercury; as, mercurial preparations, barometer. See Mercury, 2. See: Mercury
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5.
Caused by the use of mercury; as, mercurial sore mouth.(Med.)