quicksilver

[ kwik-sil-ver ]

noun

1. the metallic element mercury.

verb (used with object)

1. to amalgamate (metal) with mercury.

quicksilver

/ ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvə /

noun

1. another name for mercury

adjective

1. rapid or unpredictable in movement or change

   a quicksilver temper

Other Words From

• quicksilver·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quicksilver¹

before 1000; Middle English qwyksilver, Old English cwicseolfor (translation Latin argentum vīvum ) literally, living silver

Word History and Origins

Origin of quicksilver¹

Old English, from cwicu alive (see quick ) + seolfer silver

Related Words

• capricious
• changeable
• flighty
• temperamental
• unpredictable
• unstable
• volatile