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Saturnine vs Mercurial - What's the difference?

saturnine | mercurial |

As adjectives the difference between saturnine and mercurial

is that saturnine is of or born under Saturn's influence while mercurial is (often capitalized, see {{term|Mercurial}}) Pertaining to the planet Mercury.

As a noun mercurial is

any of the plants known as mercury.

saturnine

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • of or born under Saturn's influence
  • containing lead, or suffering from lead poisoning (saturnia)
  • having a tendency to be gloomy, bitter, and sarcastic; sullenly sardonic
  • gloomy, depressed, dull
  • cold and slow to change and react (refers to mood)

    • Derived terms

    * saturnine gout

    Quotations

    * 1770 , , The English physician enlarged. , page 167 *: "But Henbane'' delights most to grow in Saturnine Places, and whole Cart-Loads of it may be found near the Places where they empty the common Jacks, and scarce a Ditch can be found without it growing by it. ''Ergo'', it is an Herb of ''Saturn ." * 1793 , John Whitehead, The life of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A , page 550 *: "But Dr. Johnson would certainly not have expressed himself in this strong language of approbation, had Mr. Wesley been that dark, saturnine creature, represented by Archbishop Herring." English eponyms ----

    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