mercurous

American  

[mer-kyoor-uhs, mur-kyer-uhs] / mərˈkyʊər əs, ˈmɜr kyər əs /

adjective

Chemistry.

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

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mercurous British  

/ ˈmɜːkjʊrəs /

adjective

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

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mercurous Scientific  

/ mər-kyr′əs,mûr′kyər-əs /

1. Containing mercury, especially mercury with a valence of 1.

2. Compare mercuric

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Etymology

Origin of mercurous

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

Example Sentences

Its pharmacopeial preparations are the “Black wash,” in which calomel and lime react to form mercurous oxide, a pill still known as “Plummer’s pill” and an ointment.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 1 "Calhoun" to "Camoens" by Various

Silver forms two oxides but only one series of salts, namely, the one which corresponds to the mercurous and cuprous series.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

The solution containing the molybdate is neutralised and treated with an excess of mercurous nitrate.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

The compound is a mixture of platino- or platinidcyanide of mercury and mercurous nitrate.

From Field's Chromatography or Treatise on Colours and Pigments as Used by Artists by Salter, Thomas

Most mercurous salts are insoluble in water, the principal soluble one being the nitrate, which is made by the action of cold, dilute nitric acid on mercury.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William