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.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider direct synonyms: For "quicksilver," the most common and direct synonym is its scientific name, Mercury. Always check for the most literal meaning first.
- Think about properties: If the direct synonym doesn't fit, consider the properties of quicksilver: it's liquid, it's a metal, it moves quickly. This might lead you to answers like LIQUIDMETAL or even words related to speed or agility.
- Cross-reference with letter count: Always use the available letter count to narrow down possibilities. If you have a specific number of letters, it helps eliminate many potential answers immediately.
- Look for context clues: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can provide hints. Is it a science-themed puzzle? A nature one?
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
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.