B2nounsciencehealth
US/ˈmɜːr.kjə.ri/
UK/ˈmɜː.kjə.ri/
a heavy silver metal that is liquid at room temperature and is poisonous
In context
Old thermometers contained mercury, which is poisonous if it leaks.
Fish from polluted water can have high levels of mercury.
The mercury rose steadily as the afternoon sun grew hotter.
Words that go with mercury
noun + noun
- mercury poisoningMercury poisoning can damage the nervous system.
- mercury levelThe mercury level in the lake is rising.
- mercury thermometerA mercury thermometer should be handled carefully.
adjective + noun
- liquid mercuryLiquid mercury was once used in many instruments.
verb + noun
- contain mercurySome old lamps contain mercury.
noun + preposition
- exposure to mercuryExposure to mercury is a risk for miners.