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

Children under 6 years old are most vulnerable to lead poisoning. —Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 4 Dec. 2024

Lead — unsafe to be applied to skin — can lead to hair loss, skin deterioration and even death from prolonged lead poisoning, The Mirror reported. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Studies show that among children with lead poisoning in the U.S., contaminated spices were one of several sources of lead exposure. —Katarzyna Kordas, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2024

Due to childhood lead poisoning, the research suggests that Americans, overall, are less conscientious and more neurotic. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2024

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