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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of lead poisoning

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

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

Dozens of provincial officials and hospital staff attempted to cover up a lead poisoning case that made hundreds of children sick in north-west China and sparked widespread outrage, an official investigation has found.

From BBC

One parent told the BBC that he was worried about the long-term effects of lead poisoning on his son's liver and digestive system.

From BBC

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

Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because of their developing nervous systems and tendency to play close to the ground.

From Los Angeles Times