white lead

[ led ]
/ lɛd /

noun

a white, heavy powder, basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO3⋅Pb(OH)2, used as a pigment, in putty, and in medicinal ointments for burns.
the putty made from this substance in oil.

Origin of white lead

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example sentences from the Web for white lead

British Dictionary definitions for white lead

white lead
/ (lɛd) /

noun

Also called: ceruse a white solid usually regarded as a mixture of lead carbonate and lead hydroxide; basic lead carbonate: used in paint and in making putty and ointments for the treatment of burns. Formula: 2PbCO 3 .Pb(OH) 2
either of two similar white pigments based on lead sulphate or lead silicate
a type of putty made by mixing white lead with boiled linseed oil