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

See Examples For:

lead poisoning

So far, the raptor center says it has ruled out lead poisoning and the presence of swallowed objects, among other things.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

“Unfortunately, raptors get lead poisoning often, and that’s one of the problems we deal with,” she said, noting that their recent patient had not yet been diagnosed with this.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 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 in Tianshui have also announced that children suffering from lead poisoning can receive free treatment at designated hospitals and legal assistance will be made available to affected families.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2025

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

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