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Mercurial vs Mercurian - What's the difference?

mercurial | mercurian |

As nouns the difference between mercurial and mercurian

is that mercurial is any of the plants known as mercury while Mercurian is an inhabitant of the planet Mercury.

As adjectives the difference between mercurial and mercurian

is that mercurial is (often capitalized, see {{term|Mercurial}}) Pertaining to the planet Mercury while Mercurian is of or relating to Mercury (the planet.

mercurial

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • (obsolete) Any of the plants known as mercury.
  • (astrology) Someone born under the influence of Mercury.

    • Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (often capitalized, see (Mercurial)) Pertaining to the planet Mercury.
  • (often capitalized, see (Mercurial)) Pertaining to the Roman god Mercury, the god of trade; hence, money-making; crafty..
  • * J. Q. Adams
    • the mercurial wand of commerce
  • (astrology) Born under the influence of the planet Mercury, and having such characteristics.
  • Of, or pertaining to the element mercury; containing mercury; caused by the action of mercury or quicksilver.
  • Having a volatile or lively character; quick-witted, changeable, animated.
  • * 1723 , Charles Walker, Memoirs of Sally Salisbury , I:
    • From the natural Mercurial Briskness of her Temper, a sedentary Life had ever been her Aversion [...].

    Derived terms

    * mercurial eczema * mercurial glossitis * mercurial ointment * mercurial phosphorus * mercurial pneumatic trough * mercurial rash * mercurial trough * mercurialisation, mercurialization * mercurialise, mercurialize * mercurialism * mercurialist * mercuriality * mercurially * organomercurial

    Related terms

    * mercuric, mercury, Mercury

    mercurian

    English

    Adjective

    (head)
  • of or relating to Mercury (the planet)

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • (science fiction) An inhabitant of the planet Mercury.