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

Her cousin Mable has also tested positive for lead poisoning and is now on medication. —Julie Bourdin, NPR, 30 Mar. 2025

Modern scientists tested the potential effects of drinking such an acidic spirit from a toxic metal and found that one drinker’s daily lead intake would have been as high as 85 micrograms—enough to cause chronic lead poisoning, a.k.a. plumbism. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025

Unlike the 20th century, when lead poisoning was primarily due to exposure to leaded gasoline fumes, Roman-era lead exposure was predominantly a byproduct of silver mining. —Zack Budryk, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025

Some have even argued that lead poisoning played a role in the downfall of the Roman empire. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 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