mercurial
adjective
Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind; lively, quick, and changeable; containing or relating to the element mercury.
Etymology
From Latin mercurialis "pertaining to Mercury," the Roman god known for speed and cunning, also associated with the unpredictable liquid metal.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"Her mercurial temperament made her difficult to predict."
- 2.
"The mercurial stock market kept investors on edge."
- 3.
"He was known for his mercurial creativity—brilliant but erratic."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The god Mercury was the Roman equivalent of Greek Hermes, messenger of the gods. His winged sandals symbolized speed, and the planet Mercury—fastest in orbit—is named for him.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (M, E, R, C, U, R, I, A, L)
Scrabble Value: 13 points
Tip: Words ending in "AL" are often good scoring opportunities.
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