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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Programs targeting infant mortality, youth violence, smoking, maternal and child health, mental health, obesity, lead poisoning and infectious disease tracking have been slashed. Stan Chu Ilo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 The staff that monitors lead poisoning in children was eliminated. ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2025 By 2012, childhood lead poisoning in Rochester had dropped by 85%. Gabriel L. Schwartz, The Conversation, 17 July 2025 The source of that lead poisoning case was never officially disclosed. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lead poisoning

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Lead poisoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20poisoning. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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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