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 biggest pot of money at risk was the Public Health Infrastructure Block Grant, which, in Illinois, funds lead poisoning prevention grants to 25 local health departments and grants that support 674 public health jobs at 96 local agencies, according to the states’ lawsuit. —Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

The effects of lead poisoning are severe, said Kay Neumann, executive director at Saving Our Avian Resources. —Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 24 Feb. 2026

Nearly a year since mass layoffs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disrupted the response to an unfolding lead paint crisis at Milwaukee Public Schools, the reinstated head of the CDC's lead poisoning prevention team is visiting Milwaukee. —Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 24 Feb. 2026

The wildlife center said tests confirmed the eagle had lead poisoning. —Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 19 Feb. 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