red lead

[ led ]

noun

1. an orange to red, heavy, earthy, water-insoluble, poisonous powder, Pb 3 O 4 , obtained by heating litharge in the presence of air: used chiefly as a paint pigment, in the manufacture of glass and glazes, and in storage batteries.

red lead

/ lɛd /

noun

1. a bright-red poisonous insoluble oxide of lead usually obtained as a powder by heating litharge in air. It is used as a pigment in paints. Formula: Pb 3 O 4 Also calledminium

Word History and Origins

Origin of red lead¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

The Dhimal propitiate Data and Bedata by presents of betel-leaf and red-lead.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps the most interesting experiment made by Hales is the heating of minium (red-lead) with the production of oxygen.

From Project Gutenberg

Into the perforations is pressed a paste of red lead and litharge mixed with sulphuric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Candle wick saturated with red lead is next best to rubber as packing.

From Project Gutenberg

There may likewise be a flap on the other cover of the book; and you may rub the paper against that with red lead.

From Project Gutenberg