blue lead

noun \ -ˈlēd \

Definition of blue lead

: tertiary gold-bearing gravel deposits of the Sierra Nevada

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
Advanced search features
Ad free!

Origin and Etymology of blue lead

lead (gravel deposit)

blue lead

noun \ -ˈled \

Definition of blue lead

1 : galena

2 : a slate-gray pigment produced by subliming lead ore with coal or coke and used especially in rust-resistant paints — called also blue basic lead sulfate, sublimed blue lead