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

Cutting back on lead testing All of the CDC's staff involved in testing for lead poisoning in children have been eliminated, as have many grants for that purpose. —Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Other factors, such as higher rates of preterm birth, which is linked to neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as lead poisoning and traumatic brain injuries, may also contribute to disparities. —ArsTechnica, 15 Apr. 2025

Despite significant progress in reducing lead poisoning, there are more than 400,000 pipes made of the toxic metal connecting Chicago homes and two-flats to the municipal water system. —Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

The current crisis, however, is the first time lead poisoning in kids has been linked to the city’s schools. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 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