red lead
Known for its bright red color, 'red lead' has been used historically in various industries, but it is toxic and must be handled with care.
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Definition
C1Chemistry
(technical)A red oxide of lead, chemically known as lead(II,IV) oxide (Pb3O4), which is poisonous and insoluble in water.
C1Art and Industry
(historical)A bright red pigment used in paints, varnishes, and coatings, especially for its anti-corrosive properties.
Example
- Red lead was commonly used to paint steel structures to prevent rust.
B2Military Slang
(dated, informal)A term used to refer to tomato ketchup.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "red lead":
white leadblack leadlead poisoninglead crystalleaded typeeat leadred oxidelead outlead inlead in one's pencillow-background leadred heatlead mill