mercurous

[ mer-kyoor-uhs, mur-kyer-uhs ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. containing univalent mercury, Hg +1 or Hg 2 +2 .

mercurous

/ ˈmɜːkjʊrəs /

adjective

1. of or containing mercury in the monovalent state; denoting a mercury(I) compound. Mercurous salts contain the divalent ion Hg² 2 ⁺

mercurous

/ mər-kyr′əs,mûr′kyər-əs /

1. Containing mercury, especially mercury with a valence of 1.
2. Compare mercuric

Word History and Origins

Origin of mercurous¹

First recorded in 1860–65; mercur(y) + -ous

Example Sentences

If "mercurous chloride," "calomel," "mercuric," "mercurio" or "mercury" is listed on the label, stop using the product immediately.

From US News

Compounds.—Aurous oxide, Au2O, is obtained by cautiously adding potash to a solution of aurous bromide, or by boiling mixed solutions of auric chloride and mercurous nitrate.

From Project Gutenberg

It is formed by the action of a solution of mercurous nitrate, containing some nitrous acid, on alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg

In the wet way it is obtained by precipitating a mercurous salt with hydrochloric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

In all these cases of partial decomposition some of the mercurous chloride—the calomel—is changed into soluble mercuric chloride and metallic mercury.

From Project Gutenberg