Basic Details
Word: Quicksilver
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A silver-coloured liquid metal that is also known as mercury. It is used in thermometers and in some electrical equipment.
Synonyms: Mercury
Antonyms: Solid metal (when considering its state as a liquid)
Idioms and Phrases
- As slippery as quicksilver: Used to describe someone who is very elusive or difficult to catch. Example: "The criminal was as slippery as quicksilver, always managing to escape just in time."
- Quicksilver thoughts: Refers to thoughts or ideas that change rapidly. Example: "In her debate, her quicksilver thoughts impressed the audience with their clarity and speed."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The old thermometer contained quicksilver, which expanded as it heated up, giving an accurate reading of temperature.
Example 2: In some ancient alchemical texts, quicksilver was thought to hold magical properties and was used in experiments.
Example 3: He moved with the quicksilver agility of a gymnast, perfectly landing his routine.
Fun Fact
Did you know that quicksilver is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature? This unique property makes it quite special in the world of chemistry.
Famous Quote
"In your dreams, you can accomplish anything. And those dreams are as unpredictable as quicksilver." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "quicksilver" mean?
a) A type of fish
b) A silver-coloured liquid metal
c) A plant
d) A butterfly
Answer: b) A silver-coloured liquid metal
2. Which of these is a synonym of "quicksilver"?
a) Gold
b) Mercury
c) Copper
d) Silver
Answer: b) Mercury
3. What is the opposite of "quicksilver" when considering its liquid state?
a) Air
b) Solid metal
c) Water
d) Gas
Answer: b) Solid metal
4. Which sentence uses "quicksilver" correctly?
a) The quicksilver cat climbed a tree.
b) Quicksilver is often used in thermometers for measuring temperature.
c) The quicksilver bird sang beautifully.
d) He quicksilvered his homework on time.
Answer: b) Quicksilver is often used in thermometers for measuring temperature.
5. Which idiom describes someone very elusive?
a) Cold as ice
b) As busy as a bee
c) As slippery as quicksilver
d) Once in a blue moon
Answer: c) As slippery as quicksilver
