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mercury

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Mercury is a silvery-white liquid metal that is found naturally in the Earth's crust. It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. Mercury is very dense and it is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is also very toxic, so it is important to handle it with care.

Mercury is used in a variety of products, including thermometers, barometers, and fluorescent lights. It is also used in the production of some batteries and chemicals. However, the use of mercury is being phased out in many countries because of its toxicity.

How can the word be used?

The liquid mercury was used in thermometers and barometers.

mercury

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • A silvery-white liquid metal that is very dense and poisonous.
  • The smallest planet in the solar system.
  • The Roman god of commerce, eloquence, travel, cunning, and theft.

Adjective:

  • Relating to Mercury, the planet or the god.
  • Quick and clever, like Mercury, the god.

Verb:

  • To transport something quickly, like Mercury, the god.

Etymology

The word "mercury" comes from the Latin word "hydrargyrum", which means "water-silver". This is because mercury is a silvery-white liquid metal that is very dense and poisonous. The Latin word "hydrargyrum" is derived from the Greek words "hydor" (water) and "argyros" (silver).

Question

What is Mercury and how is it used?