white lead

[led]

noun

1. a white, heavy powder, basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO 3 ⋅Pb(OH) 2 , used as a pigment, in putty, and in medicinal ointments for burns.

2. the putty made from this substance in oil.

white lead

/ lɛd /

noun

1. Also called: ceruse. a white solid usually regarded as a mixture of lead carbonate and lead hydroxide; basic lead carbonate: used in paint and in making putty and ointments for the treatment of burns. Formula: 2PbCO 3 .Pb(OH) 2

2. either of two similar white pigments based on lead sulphate or lead silicate

3. a type of putty made by mixing white lead with boiled linseed oil

Word History and Origins

Origin of white lead¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50