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

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

The source of that lead poisoning case was never officially disclosed. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 11 July 2025

Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because of their developing nervous systems and tendency to play close to the ground. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

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