quicksilver
UK: ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvə | US: ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvər
n. 1. The liquid metal mercury, known for its silvery appearance and rapid movement.
n. 2. (Figurative) Something or someone that is elusive, fast-changing, or unpredictable.
quicksilver = quick<fast, living> + silver<Ag, metallic element>
- quick (from Old English cwicu "alive, lively") → Evolved to mean "fast" due to the association of liveliness with rapid motion.
- silver (from Old English seolfor "silver") → Refers to the metal's color and properties.
Etymology Origin:
The term "quicksilver" originated in Old English (cwicseolfor), combining "quick" (alive) and "silver" to describe mercury’s liquid, mobile nature, which resembled "living metal." Unlike solid silver, mercury flows rapidly, hence the vivid metaphor. The word reflects medieval alchemy’s fascination with mercury’s unique properties.
The alchemist carefully poured quicksilver into the glass vial.
Her quicksilver wit made her unbeatable in debates.
The thermometer contains a small amount of quicksilver.
His mood changes like quicksilver—unpredictable and swift.
Ancient miners extracted quicksilver from cinnabar ore.