tetraethyllead

or tet·raeth·yl lead

[ te-truh-eth-uhl-led ]

/ ˌtɛ trəˌɛθ əlˈlɛd /

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noun Chemistry.

a colorless, oily, water-insoluble, poisonous liquid, (C2H5)4Pb, used as an antiknock agent in gasoline.

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Also called lead tetraethyl, TEL

Origin of tetraethyllead

First recorded in 1920–25; tetraethyl + lead²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use tetraethyllead in a sentence

Such is her burgeoning popularity Toomey is looking to employ more instructors to lead her highly personalized exercise classes.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
There were a lot of little pieces, pieces of lead and stuff.
The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Big Perm worries that the lack of policing the “small fry” will lead to more crimes by “big fry.”
Ground Zero of the NYPD Slowdown|Batya Ungar-Sargon|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Few reports of his mental illness discuss lead poisoning as a possible reason for his mental deterioration.
Wrestler Mark Schultz Hates the ‘Sickening and Insulting Lies’ of ‘Foxcatcher’|Rich Goldstein|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Sting took over the lead role to try to draw an audience, but his thumpingly inspirational score was already the hero of the show.
Hedwig, Hugh & Michael Cera: 12 Powerhouse Theater Performances of 2014|Janice Kaplan|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
These differences of interests will lead to disputes, ill blood, and finally to separation.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
I looked round to see where our help was most wanted, and was about to lead them forward, when I heard the voice of the Alcalde.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
He was mounted on a spirited horse and his manner showed he was ready for any kind of an adventure, no matter where it might lead.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn
The slightest yellowish-brown discoloration indicates the presence of lead.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Such a refusal would lead to quick enquiry—enquiry to information—information to want of confidence and speedy ruin.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various

British Dictionary definitions for tetraethyllead

tetraethyl lead

/ (ˌtɛtrəˈiːθaɪl lɛd) /

noun

a colourless oily insoluble liquid used in petrol to prevent knocking. Formula: Pb(C 2 H 5) 4Systematic name: lead tetraethyl

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

Medical definitions for tetraethyllead

tetraethyl lead

A colorless, poisonous, oily liquid used in gasoline for internal-combustion engines as an antiknock agent.

Scientific definitions for tetraethyllead

tetraethyl lead

[ tĕt′rə-ĕth′əl ]

A colorless, poisonous, oily liquid, formerly in wide use as an antiknock agent in gasoline for internal-combustion engines. Chemical formula: C8H20Pb.