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

Silver chloride, lead chloride, and mercurous chloride are insoluble in water and acids, and can be prepared by adding hydrochloric acid to solutions of compounds of the respective elements.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

Minor sources include the black or gray sulphide, metacinnabar, the native metal, and the white mercurous chloride, calomel.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)

A blue containing mercurous nitrate must necessarily be injured by impure air, and be otherwise objectionable.

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

The fumes of ammonia have formed the precipitate of black, mercurous nitrate, a very distinct black writing which is almost indelible.

From Master Tales of Mystery, Volume 3 by Reynolds, Francis J. (Francis Joseph)

It is manufactured by heating a mixture of mercurous sulphate and common salt in iron retorts, and condensing the sublimed calomel in brick chambers.

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