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 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

Federal experts were asked to help develop a strategy to test and triage Milwaukee public school students for lead poisoning, as well as help with outreach to the community. —Sarah Lynch Baldwin, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025

Factors like disparities in preterm birth and lead poisoning could be contributing to this gap, the report says. —Paula Cohen, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2025

Yet less than $15 million a year has gone to lead poisoning in poor countries, a pittance in global terms. —Nicholas Kristof, The Mercury News, 26 Oct. 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