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red lead

[ led ]

noun

  1. an orange to red, heavy, earthy, water-insoluble, poisonous powder, Pb 3 O 4 , obtained by heating litharge in the presence of air: used chiefly as a paint pigment, in the manufacture of glass and glazes, and in storage batteries.


red lead

/ lɛd /

noun

  1. a bright-red poisonous insoluble oxide of lead usually obtained as a powder by heating litharge in air. It is used as a pigment in paints. Formula: Pb 3 O 4 Also calledminium
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of red lead1

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50
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Example Sentences

The Dhimal propitiate Data and Bedata by presents of betel-leaf and red-lead.

Perhaps the most interesting experiment made by Hales is the heating of minium (red-lead) with the production of oxygen.

Into the perforations is pressed a paste of red lead and litharge mixed with sulphuric acid.

Candle wick saturated with red lead is next best to rubber as packing.

There may likewise be a flap on the other cover of the book; and you may rub the paper against that with red lead.

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red larkspurred-lead ore