What is the Latin word for quicksilver?

The usual Latin words for “quicksilver” are hydrargyrus, Mercurius. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“quicksilver” in Latin

hydrargyrusquicksilver (artificially prepared), mercury MercuriusMercury (god of speed and commerce); Mercury (planet); quicksilver, mercury

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

quicksilver

argentum vivum (Plin., Vitr., in its natural state): hydrargyrus (Plin.), mercurius (prepared).

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for quicksilver?: The usual Latin words for “quicksilver” are hydrargyrus, Mercurius. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.