lead

Definitions

• (uncountable) A heavy, pliable, inelastic metal element, having a bright, bluish color, but easily tarnished; both malleable and ductile, though with little tenacity. It is easily fusible, forms alloys with other metals, and is an ingredient of solder and type metal. Atomic number 82, symbol Pb (from Latin plumbum).
• (countable) A plummet or mass of lead attached to a line, used in sounding depth at sea or (dated) to estimate velocity in knots.
• A thin strip of type metal, used to separate lines of type in printing.
• (uncountable) Vertical space in advance of a row or between rows of text. Also known as leading.
• Sheets or plates of lead used as a covering for roofs.
• (plural leads) A roof covered with lead sheets or terne plates.
• (countable) A thin cylinder of black lead or plumbago (graphite) used in pencils.
• (slang) Bullets; ammunition.