lead acetate

noun

: an acetate of lead
especially : a poisonous soluble salt PbC4H6O4·3H2O

Examples of lead acetate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Plus the wine in Beethoven's time often contained lead sugar (lead acetate), with the corks often being pre-soaked in lead salt to get a better seal. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 13 May 2024 At the time, lead acetate—which has a sweet taste—was often added to cheap wine to reduce acidity and remove cloudiness. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2024 In the nearly 40 years since lead acetate was initially approved as a color additive, our understanding of the hazards of lead exposure has evolved significantly. Zoe Weiner, Allure, 31 Oct. 2018 Some hair dyes contain lead acetate, Leiba added, which can increase lead levels in the blood. Amanda MacMillan, Health.com, 25 Apr. 2018 Ancient Romans used lead acetate to sweeten inferior wines; the Medieval spice trade was rife with cheap substitutes, including plain old tree bark mixed in with cinnamon, dried wood with cloves, and sandalwood in saffron. Linda Rodriguez McRobbie, Smithsonian, 13 Sep. 2017 Not only were coffins at that time painted on the inside with a lead white paint, but the Western Union uniform Kennicott was wearing and such coats and blankets at the time were treated with lead acetate as a water proofing mechanism. Allison Keyes, Smithsonian, 8 Mar. 2017 Ancient Romans used lead acetate to sweeten inferior wines Linda Rodriguez McRobbie, Smithsonian, 13 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lead acetate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead acetate was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near lead acetate

Cite this Entry

“Lead acetate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20acetate. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

lead acetate

noun
: a poisonous soluble lead salt PbC4H6O4·3H2O used in medicine especially formerly as an astringent

called also sugar of lead

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