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 Research suggests that genetics play a role in a child developing ADHD, as well as other factors, including premature birth, low birth weight, lead poisoning, brain injuries and use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 million deaths each year are attributable to lead poisoning, with the highest exposures in developing nations. Aaron Specht, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 The training covered the background and situation of lead poisoning in Bangladesh, principal sources and routes of exposure to lead, understanding the toxicity of lead, diagnosis and management of lead poisoning and preventive measures. Unicef Usa, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 As Rudy enters toddlerhood, Ricky Callahan says the family worries every emotional outburst could be a symptom of lead poisoning, which for some can lead to behavioral issues. Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2024 Lead chromate has been used by manufacturers in other countries to hide quality issues with their spices, leading to both chromium and lead poisoning. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2024 After the lead poisoning, the F.D.A. cited Austrofood for failing to identify lead as a hazard, agency records show. Will Fitzgibbon, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Some symptoms and effects of lead poisoning include developmental delays, learning difficulties, decreased memory and lowered IQ, according to the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 But the agency has also stopped short of definitively describing the lead poisonings as intentional, as opposed to the result of an accident or environmental contamination. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lead poisoning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead poisoning was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near lead poisoning

Cite this Entry

“Lead poisoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20poisoning. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lead poisoning

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