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 So why do parents ignore them? June 26, 2024 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. Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 There is a sense of shame for parents whose children suffered from lead poisoning, but Branch wants to remove the shame from the equation of asking for help. Paulina Smolinski, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2024 The group also went to the town of La Oroya, which had a smelter that polluted the air for decades and resulted in lead poisoning among the majority of the population. Lisa Thorn, The Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2024 Bans on lead in paint, gasoline and pipes dramatically reduced lead poisoning that causes severe developmental issues in children. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for lead poisoning 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lead poisoning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead poisoning was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near lead poisoning

Cite this Entry

“Lead poisoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20poisoning. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lead poisoning

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