lead poisoning

noun

: chronic intoxication that is produced by the absorption of lead into the system and is characterized especially by fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, and muscular paralysis or weakness of limbs

called also saturnism

Examples of lead poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new paper doesn’t solve the mystery of whether lead poisoning played a role in Rome’s downfall. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025

Its public-private partnership to tackle lead poisoning, announced last year, was a model of U.S. leadership. —Nicholas Kristof, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025

But the resources devoted to preventing lead poisoning were minimal. —Dylan Matthews, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024

Rubin’s reporting for the San Francisco Chronicle, NPR and Capital & Main has led to state laws protecting workers from lead poisoning and has exposed wasteful spending. —Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lead poisoning

noun

: an abnormal condition that is caused by absorption of lead into the body and results in various bodily symptoms (as tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, and paralysis or weakness of the muscles)

Medical Definition

lead poisoning

noun

: a serious acute or chronic condition that is caused by exposure and absorption of lead (such as lead carbonate) and is characterized by variable symptoms including fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, impaired cognitive development or function, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, encephalopathy, seizures, paralysis, and kidney damage

called also plumbism, saturnism