How Do You Spell QUICKSILVER?

Pronunciation: [kwˈɪksɪlvə] (IPA)

The word "quicksilver" is spelled with the sequence of sounds, /kwɪk/ and /sɪlvər/. The sound /kw/ represents the cluster of consonants /k/ and /w/ that appear at the beginning of the word. The vowel sound, /ɪ/, is followed by the consonant sound, /k/, which represents the soft 'c' sound. The second part of the word, "silver", is spelled with the sequence of sounds, /sɪlvər/, representing the soft 's' sound, followed by the vowel sound, /ɪ/, and the consonant sound, /vər/.

QUICKSILVER Meaning and Definition

1. Quicksilver is a noun that commonly refers to the chemical element mercury (symbol Hg), which is a shiny, silver-white, and dense liquid metal. It is known for being the only metal that exists in liquid form at room temperature. Quicksilver has a high surface tension and low viscosity, making it flow smoothly like water. It has been traditionally referred to as quicksilver due to its fast, silver-like appearance when flowing or moving.

   In a broader context, quicksilver can also be used to describe something or someone that is agile, unpredictable, or changeable in nature. It can convey the idea of being lively, nimble, or fleet-footed. This figurative usage can refer to individuals who possess a quick and alert mind, exhibiting intelligence or wit, or effortlessly adapting to different situations.

   Moreover, quicksilver can be employed metaphorically to depict something that is highly volatile, fickle, or transient, much like the properties of the element mercury. It highlights the idea of something that is constantly shifting or changing, often in an unpredictable manner. This can be applied to describe moods, emotions, trends, or circumstances that are prone to rapid fluctuations or transformations.

   Overall, the term quicksilver encompasses both the literal and figurative meanings associated with the element mercury, encompassing its physical properties as well as the qualities of agility, unpredictability, and volatility.

2. Mercury, hydrargyrum.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. The familiar term for fluid mercury, in allusion to its mobility, and silver-white colour.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for QUICKSILVER

• quiksilver
• 1uicksilver
• 2uicksilver
• wuicksilver
• auicksilver
• qyicksilver
• qhicksilver
• qjicksilver
• qiicksilver
• q8icksilver
• q7icksilver
• quucksilver
• qujcksilver
• qukcksilver
• quocksilver
• qu9cksilver
• qu8cksilver
• quixksilver
• Quickselver
• Quickseliver
• Quicksilva

Etymology of QUICKSILVER

The word "quicksilver" originated from the Middle English word "quiksilver", which is a combination of "quik" meaning "living" or "moving" and "silver", referring to the metallic element silver. The term was used to describe the chemical element mercury due to its remarkable liquid state that resembles the appearance of silver. The element's old name, "quicksilver", highlights its ability to flow and move effortlessly, similar to a living substance.

Similar spelling words for QUICKSILVER

• quiksilver,
• Quacksalver,
• quicksilvery,
• Horn-quicksilver.