Quicksilver
/ˈkwɪkˌsɪlvər/noun
Mercury, the metallic chemical element that is liquid at room temperature.
Did you know?In alchemy, quicksilver was identified with Mercury, the swift messenger god, because its impossible movement and shape-shifting surface seemed almost supernatural.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
cwic seolfor
“living silver”
Middle English
ME
quiksiluer
“living silver; mercury”
Late Middle English
English
quicksilver
“the liquid metal mercury”
Modern English
English
quicksilver
“mercury; also figuratively, something changeable or elusive”