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

Wildlife agencies said on July 23 that test results showed Jackie did not have lead poisoning, a common killer among bald eagles and other birds. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Work on lead has historically been focused on protecting people from extreme poisonings, often caused by paint, said Tom Neltner, who heads the lead poisoning prevention nonprofit Unleaded Kids. — Chris Bowling, ProPublica, 10 Aug. 2026

Food benefits, access to mental health care, lead poisoning prevention. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Support from our donors helps to fund medical services, community health outreach, childhood lead poisoning interventions, and essential cancer screenings. — Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 16 July 2026

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