adjective
- changing moods quickly and unpredictably; volatile in temperament
- relating to or containing mercury
Usage: chemistry; technical
Examples
- Her mercurial personality made it difficult to predict her reactions.
- The actor’s mercurial moods kept the cast on edge during rehearsals.
- Stock prices showed mercurial behavior throughout the trading day.
- His mercurial temperament shifted from joy to anger in seconds.
- The mercurial compound was handled with extreme caution in the lab.
- She had a mercurial nature that could charm or intimidate depending on her mood.