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

Hot water can concentrate the lead which is a risk factor for lead poisoning. —Vincent Iannelli, Parents, 9 July 2024

Toward the end of Troy's tenure, Children's Wisconsin came under fire for recently closing a primary care office in Metcalfe Park, where there is a shortage of primary care providers and where the rate of lead poisoning in young children is among the highest in the city and the state. —Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 24 June 2024

Past scholars have attributed the hearing loss to otosclerosis, or possibly lead poisoning from the wines Beethoven preferred. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 13 May 2024

Unfortunately, there is no safe level of lead consumption in humans, and young children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. —Devika Rao, theweek, 17 Apr. 2024

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