quicksilver

[kwik-sil-ver]

noun

1. the metallic element mercury.

verb (used with object)

1. to amalgamate (metal) with mercury.

quicksilver

/ ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvə /

noun

1. another name for mercury

adjective

1. rapid or unpredictable in movement or change

   a quicksilver temper

Other Word Forms

• quicksilvery adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quicksilver¹

before 1000; Middle English qwyksilver, Old English cwicseolfor (translation Latin argentum vīvum ) literally, living silver

Word History and Origins

Origin of quicksilver¹

Old English, from cwicu alive (see _quick ) + seolfer silver

Example Sentences

The stray water collapses to the ground, only to roll toward the right-hand window like beads of quicksilver.

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But after that, Carpenter’s quicksilver timing and ease, plus a diverse set of sketches, put the episode over the top.

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That combination of hard-running forward and quicksilver backs, connecting with superb handling skills, was in evidence again and again.

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Expect a similarly powerful forward pack, with some quicksilver runners and astute playmakers in the backline.

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Music director and conductor Stephen Oremus maintained the production’s high musical standards, bringing out the extensive palette of a rock score with quicksilver moods.

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Related Words

• capricious 
• changeable 
• flighty 
• temperamental 
• unpredictable 
• unstable 
• volatile