quicksilver

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the metallic element mercury, especially when seen in its mobile liquid form

   The moonlight made the lake gleam like quicksilver.

2. 2
   adj

   changing, moving, or reacting with great speed and unpredictability

   Her quicksilver mood shifted from delight to impatience in seconds.

From Old English cwicseolfor, literally "living silver," combining quick in its older sense "alive" with silver. The name refers to mercury's bright color and restless movement as a liquid.

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