white lead

[ led ]

noun
  1. a white, heavy powder, basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO3⋅Pb(OH)2, used as a pigment, in putty, and in medicinal ointments for burns.

  2. the putty made from this substance in oil.

Origin of white lead

1
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Words Nearby white lead

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use white lead in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for white lead

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

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

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