lead poisoning

American  

[led] / lɛd /

noun

1. Pathology.

   1. a toxic condition produced by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption of lead or lead compounds, resulting in various dose-related symptoms including anemia, nausea, muscle weakness, confusion, blindness, and coma.

   2. Also called plumbism, saturnism.  this condition occurring in adults whose work involves contact with lead products.

2. Slang. death or injury inflicted by a bullet or shot.

---

lead poisoning British  

/ lɛd /

noun

1. Also called: plumbism.   saturnism.  acute or chronic poisoning by lead or its salts, characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions, and coma

2. slang death or injury resulting from being shot with bullets

---

Etymology

Origin of lead poisoning

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

We’re proud of the results we’ve achieved over the past 17 months against air and water pollution, lead poisoning, ozone depletion and radioactive waste.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026

On top of that, 460 tons of melted lead had poured over the site and the surrounding streets, creating a serious danger of lead poisoning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

Authorities revealed on 8 July that 235 children from the privately-owned kindergarten were being treated in hospital for lead poisoning after eating steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

Since the 1990s, the state has implemented a law that assesses fees against producers of lead paint and leaded gas to help treat lead poisoning in children, known as the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2025

Several children had already been hospitalized with lead poisoning, the report had said.

From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper