Alchemical Terminology

noun a shiny, silvery-white metallic chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80, also known as mercury

• The scientist studied the properties of quicksilver in the lab.
• I heard quicksilver is really hard to handle.
• Don't mess with quicksilver, it's tricky stuff.
• Her thoughts moved as quick as quicksilver, always changing and hard to pin down.

noun a solution of a medicinal substance in alcohol or water

verb to tint or color with a tincture

• The pharmacist recommended a tincture of echinacea to help boost my immune system.
• I picked up a tincture for my sore throat at the health food store.
• I heard tinctures are all the rage for natural remedies these days.
• The artist used a tincture of blue to create a beautiful gradient in the painting.