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

The state also has requirements that all units in an apartment with children under 6 get tested if one child tests above the normal limits for lead poisoning. —Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 8 Aug. 2024

Effects of lead poisoning:Lead can alter personalities, pose lifelong risks. —John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 15 Aug. 2024

Rubin’s reporting for the San Francisco Chronicle, NPR and Capital & Main has led to state laws protecting workers from lead poisoning and has exposed wasteful spending. —Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 26 June 2024

The applesauce products were linked to more than 400 cases of lead poisoning in 2023. —Verywell Health Editors, Verywell Health, 31 July 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