Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Quicksilver \Quick"sil`ver\, n. [Quick living + silver; -- so
   called from its fluidity; cf. G. quecksilber, L. argentum
   vivum. See {Quick}, a.] (Chem.)
   The metal mercury; -- so called from its resemblance to
   liquid silver.

   {Quicksilver horizon}, a mercurial artificial horizon. See
      under {Horizon}.

   {Quicksilver water}, a solution of mercury nitrate used in
      artificial silvering; quick water.