lead poisoning

noun

: chronic intoxication that is produced by the absorption of lead into the system and is characterized especially by fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, and muscular paralysis or weakness of limbs

called also saturnism

Examples of lead poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rubin’s reporting for the San Francisco Chronicle, NPR and Capital & Main has led to state laws protecting workers from lead poisoning and has exposed wasteful spending. —Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025 This is not the first time CHA approved housing for residents who then were later diagnosed with lead poisoning. —Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025 Did lead poisoning contribute to the fall of the Roman Empire? —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025 In January, TikTok users created videos claiming that the popular tumblers contain lead and could pose a risk for lead poisoning. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lead poisoning 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead poisoning was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near lead poisoning

leadplant

lead poisoning

leadscrew

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Lead poisoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20poisoning. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition

lead poisoning

noun
: an abnormal condition that is caused by absorption of lead into the body and results in various bodily symptoms (as tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, and paralysis or weakness of the muscles)

Medical Definition

lead poisoning

noun
: a serious acute or chronic condition that is caused by exposure and absorption of lead (such as lead carbonate) and is characterized by variable symptoms including fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, impaired cognitive development or function, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, encephalopathy, seizures, paralysis, and kidney damage

called also plumbism, saturnism

More from Merriam-Webster on lead poisoning

Nglish: Translation of lead poisoning for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lead poisoning

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