crossword clue quicksilver – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most accurate and helpful solutions for the crossword clue "quicksilver," complete with explanations to help you understand the answer and improve your crossword skills.

Solutions for "crossword clue quicksilver" by Letter Count

7 Letters

MERCURY: The chemical element, known for its rapid, flowing movement and silvery appearance.

11 Letters

LIQUIDMETAL: A descriptive term for quicksilver, emphasizing its metallic and fluid nature.

More About "crossword clue quicksilver"

Quicksilver is the traditional name for the chemical element Mercury (Hg). It's one of the few elements that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure, giving it its unique "quick" or flowing property, much like silver in appearance. This distinctive characteristic makes it a fascinating and frequently used clue in crossword puzzles.

Historically, quicksilver was used in thermometers, barometers, and even in gold mining. While many of its industrial and household uses have been phased out due to its toxicity, its cultural and scientific significance endures. In crosswords, 'quicksilver' often directly points to 'MERCURY', but sometimes it might hint at properties like swiftness, changeability, or the elusive nature of things that move quickly and are hard to pin down.

Understanding the dual nature of quicksilver – as both a scientific term and a descriptive adjective for something fluid and fast – is key to mastering this type of crossword clue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is quicksilver in simple terms?

Quicksilver is the common name for the chemical element Mercury (Hg). It's a heavy, silvery-white liquid metal, unique for being liquid at standard temperature and pressure.

Why is 'MERCURY' often the answer to 'quicksilver' in crosswords?

'MERCURY' is the direct scientific and most common synonym for quicksilver. Crossword setters frequently use the colloquial term 'quicksilver' as a clue to lead solvers to its chemical name, 'MERCURY'.

Are there other types of clues or answers related to quicksilver?

While 'MERCURY' is the most direct answer, 'quicksilver' can also imply speed, agility, or volatility. Depending on the puzzle's context, answers could relate to these attributes, or even mythological references to the Roman god Mercury, known for his swiftness.