noun
quicksilver
KWIHK-sihlv
Quicksilver (noun) means an old name for the metal mercury. Example: “The old thermometer was filled with quicksilver.”
noun
1
An old name for the metal mercury.
"The old thermometer was filled with quicksilver."
adj
1
Changing rapidly and unpredictably; mercurial.
"Her quicksilver moods made her hard to read."
How to use quicksilver
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the metal mercury, or (as an adjective) something that shifts quickly and unpredictably.
Common pairings
quicksilver wit
quicksilver temper
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- quicksilvers
- Past tense
- quicksilvered
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The old thermometer was filled with _____.
Etymology
From Old English cwicseolfor, literally "living silver," describing how mercury seems to move on its own.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for quicksilver
See all rhymes for quicksilver →Frequently asked questions
What does “quicksilver” mean?
The word “quicksilver” means an old name for the metal mercury. In plain terms, either the metal mercury, or (as an adjective) something that shifts quickly and unpredictably.
How do you pronounce “quicksilver”?
“Quicksilver” is pronounced KWIHK-sihlv (/ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “quicksilver” in a sentence?
Here is “quicksilver” used in a sentence: “The old thermometer was filled with quicksilver.”
What part of speech is “quicksilver”?
Depending on how it is used, “quicksilver” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “quicksilver” come from?
The word “quicksilver” comes from Old English. From Old English cwicseolfor, literally "living silver," describing how mercury seems to move on its own.
How many meanings does “quicksilver” have?
“Quicksilver” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old name for the metal mercury.
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