| quicksilver | <chemistry> The metal mercury; so called from its resemblance to liquid silver. Quicksilver horizon, a mercurial artificial horizon. See Horizon. Quicksilver water, a solution of mercury nitrate used in artificial silvering; quick water. Origin: Quick living + silver; so called from its fluidity; cf. G. Quecksilber, L. Argentum vivum. See Quick. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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