lead poisoning

[ led ]

noun

1. Pathology.
   1. a toxic condition produced by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption of lead or lead compounds, resulting in various dose-related symptoms including anemia, nausea, muscle weakness, confusion, blindness, and coma.
   2. Also called plumbism, saturnism. this condition occurring in adults whose work involves contact with lead products.
2. Slang. death or injury inflicted by a bullet or shot.

lead poisoning

/ lɛd /

noun

1. Also calledplumbismsaturnism acute or chronic poisoning by lead or its salts, characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions, and coma
2. slang.
   death or injury resulting from being shot with bullets

Word History and Origins

Origin of lead poisoning¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“So, there’s this huge window of people — primarily children — who have lead poisoning, but there’s no treatment available,” Rees said.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year, the FDA recalled 3 million cinnamon applesauce pouches that contained extremely high levels of lead, after dozens of children across the United States were found to be suffering from lead poisoning.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the ongoing threat of lead poisoning, the large birds are also at risk from other toxins.

From Los Angeles Times

The clothes and jewelry soon fall apart, cause rashes or induce lead poisoning for the fashion models in the ad.

From Los Angeles Times

Condors aren’t the only animals who are being killed by lead poisoning after eating carcasses filled with lead bullet fragments.

From Seattle Times