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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
Earlier this year, the FDA recalled 3 million cinnamon applesauce pouches that contained extremely high levels of lead, after dozens of children across the United States were found to be suffering from lead poisoning.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
Black children were four times as likely to test positive for lead poisoning as white children in 2022, according to additional DHS data.
—Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 24 Oct. 2024
Nearly half of the funding dedicated to clean water mandates must flow to disadvantaged communities, notably those who are often disproportionately impacted by lead poisoning.
—Avery Lotz, Axios, 8 Oct. 2024
Each year, roughly 160,000 children in Ohio under the age of 6 are screened for lead poisoning, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 17 Aug. 2024
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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 22 Nov. 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
Nglish: Translation of lead poisoning for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lead poisoning
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