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

The precipitate is allowed to settle for some time, filtered, and washed with a dilute solution of mercurous nitrate.

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

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

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

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)

Examine cinnabar, vermilion, mercury, red oxide, mercurous and mercuric chloride.

From An Introduction to Chemical Science by Williams, Rufus Phillips