quicksilver crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive list of solutions for the crossword clue "quicksilver," complete with explanations to help you understand why each answer fits. Dive in and solve your puzzle with ease!
Solutions for "quicksilver crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
MERCURY: This is the most common and direct answer, as quicksilver is the historical and common name for the element Mercury.
5 Letters
METAL: Quicksilver (Mercury) is a unique metal, being liquid at room temperature.
FLUID: Describing its physical state, quicksilver is a fluid substance.
More About "quicksilver crossword clue"
The term "quicksilver" has captivated humans for centuries, primarily referring to the element Mercury (Hg). Its unique property of being a liquid metal at room temperature made it a subject of fascination for alchemists who believed it held keys to transmuting base metals into gold. In crosswords, this duality—its common name "quicksilver" and its scientific name "Mercury"—makes it a versatile and sometimes tricky clue.
Beyond its chemical properties, quicksilver has also seeped into language and literature, symbolizing elusive, rapidly changing, or volatile qualities. This metaphorical usage can sometimes be exploited in more challenging crossword puzzles, where the answer might not be the element itself but something that embodies its characteristics, such as 'volatile' or 'fleeting'. Understanding these layers of meaning is key to mastering clues like "quicksilver."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: For "quicksilver," think not just of Mercury but also its properties like being a 'liquid' or a 'metal', or words that describe its movement like 'fluid'.
- Check letter count: Always cross-reference your potential answers with the number of letters required in the grid. This is crucial for clues like 'quicksilver' which can have multiple valid answers of varying lengths.
- Think scientifically: If the puzzle seems to lean towards science or chemistry, "Mercury" is likely the intended answer. If it's more descriptive, "fluid" or "metal" might fit.
- Look for context clues: Surrounding words in the clue or letters already filled in the grid can often confirm which specific answer for "quicksilver" is correct.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is quicksilver?
Quicksilver is the common name for the chemical element Mercury (Hg). It's unique among metals because it's a silvery, heavy liquid at standard room temperature and pressure. It's historically been used in thermometers, barometers, and some electrical applications.
Why is 'quicksilver' a common crossword clue?
It's a common clue because it has a well-known scientific name (Mercury) that is also a common word, allowing for a good misdirection or direct answer. Its unique properties (liquid metal) also provide ample fodder for clever clueing, often hinting at its fluidity or metallic nature.
Are there any other names or properties of quicksilver relevant to crosswords?
Beyond 'Mercury', clues might hint at its liquid state ('fluid', 'flow'), its metallic nature ('metal'), or its historical association with alchemy. Its symbol 'Hg' or atomic number (80) might also occasionally appear in more obscure or science-themed puzzles.