MERCURIAL

mercurial. Mercurial, a. composed of quicksilver, sprightly

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Mer‐cu″ri‐al (?), a. [[L. mercurialis, fr. Mercurius Mercury: cf. F. mercuriel.]] 1. 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. 2. 2. Having the form or image of Mercury; — applied to ancient guideposts. Chillingworth.
3. 3. Of or pertaining to Mercury as the god of trade; hence, money-making; crafty.
The mercurial wand of commerce. J. Q. Adams. 4. 4. Of or pertaining to, or containing, mercury; as, mercurial preparations, barometer. See Mercury, 2.
5. 5. (Med.) Caused by the use of mercury; as, mercurial sore mouth.