Mercurial \Mer*cu"ri*al\, a. [L. mercurialis, fr. Mercurius
Mercury: cf. F. mercuriel.]
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. Having the form or image of Mercury; -- applied to ancient
guideposts. [Obs.]
--Chillingworth.
3. Of or pertaining to Mercury as the god of trade; hence,
money-making; crafty.
The mercurial wand of commerce. --J. Q. Adams.
4. Of or pertaining to, or containing, mercury; as, mercurial
preparations, barometer. See Mercury, 2.
5. (Med.) Caused by the use of mercury; as, mercurial sore
mouth.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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