Iron vs. Lead — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
Iron is malleable, ductile metal with silvery appearance, essential for biological processes and used in construction, while lead is dense, soft metal, known for its resistance to corrosion but toxic to biological systems, used in batteries and shielding.
Difference Between Iron and Lead
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Iron, symbolized as Fe, stands as one of the most abundant elements on Earth and is crucial in various sectors, notably in the formation of steel, an alloy that's fundamental in construction and manufacturing due to its strength and durability. Conversely, lead, denoted as Pb, is known for its high density and softness, making it easy to work with but less used in structural applications. Historically valued for its resistance to corrosion, lead's use has significantly declined in many industries due to its toxicity, affecting the nervous system and causing lead poisoning. Nevertheless, it remains valuable in specific applications like batteries, radiation shielding, and certain types of glass and pigments.
Iron's reactivity with oxygen leads to rusting, a form of corrosion that weakens iron structures over time, necessitating treatments or alloys like stainless steel for protection. Lead, while softer and heavier, boasts a resistance to corrosion that made it popular for pipes and paints, though its use is now limited or banned in many of these applications for health reasons. The discovery of iron's utility dates back to ancient civilizations, catalyzing the Iron Age, whereas lead has been used since antiquity for its malleability and resistance to corrosion.
The environmental impact of both metals also differs significantly. Iron mining and processing can lead to habitat destruction and pollution, but its recyclability and necessity in construction and technology continue to drive its demand. Lead's environmental concerns are predominantly centered around its toxicity and the potential for bioaccumulation, leading to stringent regulations on its use, disposal, and recycling to prevent contamination of water, soil, and living organisms.
While iron and lead are both metals with historical significance and a range of applications, their properties, uses, and impacts on health and the environment distinguish them markedly. Iron's role as a structural and functional necessity contrasts with lead's specialized uses and associated health risks, reflecting the balance between utility and safety in their respective applications.
Comparison Chart
Appearance
Silvery, lustrous metal.
Dense, soft, bluish-gray metal.
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Uses
Construction, steel production, electrical appliances.
Batteries, radiation shielding, pigments.
Biological Role
Essential for oxygen transport in body, enzymes.
Toxic, no known beneficial role in biology.
Reactivity
Prone to rusting when exposed to moisture and oxygen.
Resistant to corrosion, but toxic.
Density
Lower density compared to lead.
Higher density, making it useful for shielding.
Toxicity
Generally not toxic in small amounts; essential for life.
Highly toxic, affecting the nervous system.
Environmental Impact
Habitat destruction and pollution from mining.
Toxicity concerns, regulatory efforts to limit use.
Compare with Definitions
Iron
A ductile metal with a key role in construction and biology.
Iron beams are fundamental in skyscraper frames.
Lead
A dense, soft metal used for its corrosion resistance.
Lead is used in batteries due to its ability to store energy.
Iron
Magnetic, used in electrical applications.
Iron cores are used in transformers and motors.
Lead
Used in radiation shielding due to its density.
Lead vests are worn in X-ray rooms for protection.
Iron
Prone to rusting but essential for hemoglobin.
Iron supplements are often prescribed to treat anemia.
Lead
Historically used in pipes and paint, now restricted.
Lead pipes were replaced due to health risks.
Iron
Widely used in manufacturing due to its properties.
Iron is crucial in making engines and machinery.
Lead
Recyclable, but requires careful handling to avoid contamination.
Recycled lead is used in new batteries and shields.
Iron
Recyclable, making it environmentally favorable.
Scrap iron is often melted down and reused in steel production.
Lead
Toxic, leading to regulatory controls on its use.
Lead in gasoline has been phased out to prevent atmospheric pollution.
Iron
Iron () is a chemical element with symbol Fe (from Latin: ferrum) and atomic number 26. It is a metal that belongs to the first transition series and group 8 of the periodic table.
Lead
Lead is a chemical element with the symbol Pb (from the Latin plumbum) and atomic number 82. It is a heavy metal that is denser than most common materials.
Iron
Symbol Fe A silvery-white, lustrous, malleable, ductile, magnetic or magnetizable, metallic element occurring abundantly in combined forms, notably in hematite, limonite, magnetite, and taconite, and used alloyed in a wide range of important structural materials. Atomic number 26; atomic weight 55.845; melting point 1,538°C; boiling point 2,861°C; specific gravity 7.874 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 6. See Periodic Table.
Lead
Cause (a person or animal) to go with one by holding them by the hand, a halter, a rope, etc. while moving forward
She emerged leading a bay horse
Iron
An implement made of iron alloy or similar metal, especially a bar heated for use in branding, curling hair, or cauterizing.
Lead
Be a route or means of access to a particular place or in a particular direction
A farm track led off to the left
The door led to a long hallway
Iron
Great hardness or strength; firmness
A will of iron.
Lead
Be in charge or command of
A military delegation was led by the Chief of Staff
Iron
(Sports) Any of a series of golf clubs having a bladelike metal head and numbered from one to nine in order of increasing loft.
Lead
Have the advantage over competitors in a race or game
He followed up with a break of 105 to lead 3-0
The Wantage jockey was leading the field
Iron
A metal appliance with a handle and a weighted flat bottom, used when heated to press wrinkles from fabric.
Lead
Have or experience (a particular way of life)
She's led a completely sheltered life
Iron
A harpoon.
Lead
The initiative in an action; an example for others to follow
Britain is now taking the lead in environmental policies
Iron
Irons Fetters; shackles.
Lead
A position of advantage in a contest; first place
The team burst into life and took the lead
They were beaten 5-3 after twice being in the lead
Iron
A tonic, pill, or other medication containing iron and taken as a dietary supplement.
Lead
The chief part in a play or film
She had the lead in a new film
The lead role
Iron
Made of or containing iron
Iron bars.
An iron alloy.
Lead
A strap or cord for restraining and guiding a dog or other domestic animal
The dog is our constant walking companion and is always kept on a lead
Iron
Strong, healthy, and capable of great endurance
An iron constitution.
Lead
A wire that conveys electric current from a source to an appliance, or that connects two points of a circuit together.
Iron
Inflexible; unyielding
Iron resolve.
Lead
The distance advanced by a screw in one turn.
Iron
Holding tightly; very firm
Has an iron grip.
Lead
An artificial watercourse leading to a mill.
Iron
To press and smooth with a heated iron
Iron clothes.
Lead
A soft, heavy, ductile bluish-grey metal, the chemical element of atomic number 82. It has been used in roofing, plumbing, ammunition, storage batteries, radiation shields, etc., and its compounds have been used in crystal glass, as an anti-knock agent in petrol, and (formerly) in paints.
Iron
To remove (creases) by pressing.
Lead
An item or implement made of lead.
Iron
To put into irons; fetter.
Lead
Graphite used as the part of a pencil that makes a mark
Scrawls done with a bit of pencil lead
Iron
To fit or clad with iron.
Lead
A blank space between lines of print.
Iron
To iron clothes.
Lead
To show the way to by going in advance
The host led us to our table.
Iron
(uncountable) A common, inexpensive metal, silvery grey when untarnished, that rusts, is attracted by magnets, and is used in making steel.
Lead
To guide or direct in a course
Lead a horse by the halter.
Iron
A metallic chemical element having atomic number 26 and symbol Fe.
Lead
To serve as a route for; take
The path led them to a cemetery.
Iron
Any material, not a steel, predominantly made of elemental iron.
Wrought iron, ductile iron, cast iron, pig iron, gray iron
Lead
To be a channel or conduit for (water or electricity, for example).
Iron
(countable) A tool or appliance made of metal, which is heated and then used to transfer heat to something else; most often a thick piece of metal fitted with a handle and having a flat, roughly triangular bottom, which is heated and used to press wrinkles from clothing, and now usually containing an electrical heating apparatus.
Lead
To guide the behavior or opinion of; induce
Led us to believe otherwise.
Iron
(usually plural, irons) shackles.
Lead
To direct the performance or activities of
Lead an orchestra.
Iron
(slang) A firearm, either a long gun or a handgun.
Lead
To inspire the conduct of
Led the nation in its crisis.
Iron
(uncountable) A dark shade of the color silver.
Lead
To play a principal or guiding role in
Lead a discussion.
Led the antiwar movement.
Iron
(golf) A golf club used for middle-distance shots.
Lead
To go or be at the head of
The queen led the procession. My name led the list.
Iron
Used as a symbol of great strength or toughness, or to signify a very strong or tough material.
A will of iron
He appeared easygoing, but inside he was pure iron.
Lead
To be ahead of
Led the runner-up by three strides.
Iron
(weightlifting) Weight used as resistance for the purpose of strength training.
He lifts iron on the weekends.
Lead
To be foremost in or among
Led the field in nuclear research.
Led her teammates in free throws.
Iron
A meteorite consisting primarily of metallic iron (mixed with a small amount of nickel), as opposed to one composed mainly of stony material.
Irons and stony irons can be much larger than stony meteorites and are much more visually striking, but make up only a few percent of all meteorites.
Lead
To pass or go through; live
Lead an independent life.
Iron
A safety curtain in a theatre.
Lead
To begin or open with, as in games
Led an ace.
Iron
Dumb bombs, those without guidance systems.
Lead
To guide (a partner) in dancing.
Iron
(not comparable) Made of the metal iron.
Lead
To aim in front of (a moving target).
Iron
(figuratively) Strong as of will, inflexible.
She had an iron will.
He held on with an iron grip.
An iron constitution
Iron men
Lead
(Sports) To pass a ball or puck ahead of (a moving teammate) so that the player can receive the pass without changing direction or losing speed.
Iron
(transitive) To pass an iron over (clothing or some other item made of cloth) in order to remove creases.
Lead
To be first; be ahead.
Iron
To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.
Lead
To go first as a guide.
Iron
(transitive) To furnish or arm with iron.
To iron a wagon
Lead
To act as commander, director, or guide.
Iron
The most common and most useful metallic element, being of almost universal occurrence, usually in the form of an oxide (as hematite, magnetite, etc.), or a hydrous oxide (as limonite, turgite, etc.). It is reduced on an enormous scale in three principal forms; viz., cast iron, steel, and wrought iron. Iron usually appears dark brown, from oxidation or impurity, but when pure, or on a fresh surface, is a gray or white metal. It is easily oxidized (rusted) by moisture, and is attacked by many corrosive agents. Symbol Fe (Latin Ferrum). Atomic number 26, atomic weight 55.847. Specific gravity, pure iron, 7.86; cast iron, 7.1. In magnetic properties, it is superior to all other substances.
Lead
To afford a passage, course, or route
A road that leads over the mountains.
A door leading to the pantry.
Iron
An instrument or utensil made of iron; - chiefly in composition; as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc.
My young soldier, put up your iron.
Lead
To tend toward a certain goal or result
A remark that led to further discussion.
Policies that led to disaster.
Iron
Fetters; chains; handcuffs; manacles.
Four of the sufferers were left to rot in irons.
Lead
To make the initial play, as in a game or contest.
Iron
Strength; power; firmness; inflexibility; as, to rule with a rod of iron.
Lead
To begin a presentation or account in a given way
The announcer led with the day's top stories.
Iron
An iron-headed club with a deep face, chiefly used in making approaches, lifting a ball over hazards, etc.
Lead
To guide a dance partner.
Iron
Of, or made of iron; consisting of iron; as, an iron bar, dust.
Lead
To start a dance step on a specified foot.
Iron
Resembling iron in color; as, iron blackness.
Lead
(Baseball) To advance or stand a few paces away from one's base toward the next while the pitcher prepares to deliver a pitch. Used of a base runner.
Iron
Like iron in hardness, strength, impenetrability, power of endurance, insensibility, etc.;
Lead
(Sports) To begin an attack in boxing with a specified hand or punch
Led with a right to the body.
Iron
Rude; hard; harsh; severe.
Iron years of wars and dangers.
Jove crushed the nations with an iron rod.
Lead
To cover, line, weight, or fill with lead.
Iron
Firm; robust; enduring; as, an iron constitution.
Lead
(Printing) To provide space between (lines of type) with leads.
Iron
Inflexible; unrelenting; as, an iron will.
Lead
To secure (window glass) with leads.
Iron
Not to be broken; holding or binding fast; tenacious.
Lead
To treat with lead or a lead compound
Leaded gasoline.
Leaded paint.
Iron
To smooth with an instrument of iron; especially, to smooth, as cloth, with a heated flatiron; - sometimes used with out.
Lead
The first or foremost position
A racer in the lead.
Iron
To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.
Lead
One occupying such a position; a leader.
Iron
To furnish or arm with iron; as, to iron a wagon.
Lead
The initiative
Took the lead in setting the pace of the project.
Iron
A golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head
Lead
The margin by which one holds a position of advantage or superiority
Held a lead of nine points at the half.
Iron
Metal shackles; for hands or legs
Lead
Information pointing toward a possible solution; a clue
Followed a promising lead in the murder case.
Iron
Implement used to brand live stock
Lead
An indication of potential opportunity; a tip
A good lead for a job.
Iron
Home appliance consisting of a flat metal base that is heated and used to smooth cloth
Lead
Command; leadership
Took over the lead of the company.
Iron
Press and smooth with a heated iron;
Press your shirts
Lead
An example; a precedent
Followed his sister's lead in running for office.
Iron
Extremely robust;
An iron constitution
Lead
The principal role in a film, play, show, or other scripted production.
Lead
The person playing such a role.
Lead
The introductory portion of a news story, especially the first sentence.
Lead
An important, usually prominently displayed news story.
Lead
The first play.
Lead
The prerogative or turn to make the first play
The lead passes to the player on the left.
Lead
A card played first in a round.
Lead
(Baseball) An amount of space that a base runner moves or stands away from one base in the direction of the next while the pitcher prepares to deliver a pitch.
Lead
(Sports) A blow in boxing that begins a series or exchange of punches.
Lead
A leash.
Lead
A deposit of gold ore in an old riverbed.
Lead
See lode.
Lead
(Electronics) A conductor by which one circuit element is electrically connected to another.
Lead
(Nautical) The direction in which a line runs.
Lead
The distance aimed in front of a moving target.
Lead
A channel of open water created by a break in a mass of ice.
Lead
Symbol Pb A soft, malleable, ductile, bluish-white, dense metallic element, extracted chiefly from galena and used in containers and pipes for corrosives, solder and type metal, bullets, radiation shielding, paints, glass, storage batteries, and antiknock compounds. Atomic number 82; atomic weight 207.2; melting point 327.5°C; boiling point 1,749°C; specific gravity 11.35; valence 2, 4. See Periodic Table.
Lead
Any of various, often graphitic compositions used as the writing substance in pencils.
Lead
A thin stick of such material.
Lead
Bullets from or for firearms; shot
Pumped the target full of lead.
Lead
A lead weight suspended by a line, used to make soundings.
Lead
(Printing) A thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type.
Lead
Strips of lead used to hold the panes of a window.
Lead
Chiefly British A flat roof covered with sheets of lead.
Lead
First or foremost
The lead leg on a surfboard.
Lead
Most important
The lead author of a research paper.
Lead
(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).
Lead
A plummet or mass of lead attached to a line, used in sounding depth at sea or (dated) to estimate velocity in knots.
Lead
A thin strip of type metal, used to separate lines of type in printing.
Lead
Vertical space in advance of a row or between rows of text. Also known as leading.
This copy has too much lead; I prefer less space between the lines.
Lead
Sheets or plates of lead used as a covering for roofs.
Lead
(plural leads) A roof covered with lead sheets or terne plates.
Lead
(countable) A thin cylinder of graphite used in pencils. Category:en:Carbon
Lead
(slang) bullets; ammunition.
They pumped him full of lead.
Lead
(countable) The act of leading or conducting; guidance; direction, course
To take the lead
To be under the lead of another
Lead
(countable) Precedence; advance position; also, the measure of precedence; the state of being ahead in a race; the highest score in a game in an incomplete game.
The white horse had the lead.
To be in the lead
She lost the lead.
Smith managed to extend her lead over the second place to half a second.
Lead
An insulated metallic wire for electrical devices and equipment.
Lead
(baseball) The situation where a runner steps away from a base while waiting for the pitch to be thrown.
The runner took his lead from first.
Lead
The act or right of playing first in a game or round; the card suit, or piece, so played
Your partner has the lead
Lead
The main role in a play or film; the lead role.
Lead
(acting) The actor who plays the main role; lead actor.
Lead
(business) The person in charge of a project or a work shift etc.
John is the development lead on this software product.
Lead
(countable) A channel of open water in an ice field.
Lead
A lode.
Lead
(nautical) The course of a rope from end to end.
Lead
A rope, leather strap, or similar device with which to lead an animal; a leash
Lead
In a steam engine, the width of port opening which is uncovered by the valve, for the admission or release of steam, at the instant when the piston is at end of its stroke.
Lead
(civil engineering) The distance of haul, as from a cutting to an embankment.
Lead
(horology) The action of a tooth, such as a tooth of a wheel, in impelling another tooth or a pallet.
Lead
Information obtained by a detective or police officer that allows him or her to discover further details about a crime or incident.
The police have a couple of leads they will follow to solve the case.
Lead
(marketing) Potential opportunity for a sale or transaction, a potential customer.
Joe is a great addition to our sales team, he has numerous leads in the paper industry.
Lead
Information obtained by a news reporter about an issue or subject that allows him or her to discover more details.
Lead
(curling) The player who throws the first two rocks for a team.
Lead
(newspapers) A teaser; a lead-in; the start of a newspaper column, telling who, what, when, where, why and how. (Sometimes spelled as lede for this usage to avoid ambiguity.)
Lead
An important news story that appears on the front page of a newspaper or at the beginning of a news broadcast
Lead
(engineering) The axial distance a screw thread travels in one revolution. It is equal to the pitch times the number of starts.
Lead
(music) In a barbershop quartet, the person who sings the melody, usually the second tenor
Lead
(music) The announcement by one voice part of a theme to be repeated by the other parts.
Lead
(music) A mark or a short passage in one voice part, as of a canon, serving as a cue for the entrance of others.
Lead
(engineering) The excess above a right angle in the angle between two consecutive cranks, as of a compound engine, on the same shaft.
Lead
(electrical) The angle between the line joining the brushes of a continuous-current dynamo and the diameter symmetrical between the poles.
Lead
(electrical) The advance of the current phase in an alternating circuit beyond that of the electromotive force producing it.
Lead
(transitive) To cover, fill, or affect with lead.
Continuous firing leads the grooves of a rifle.
Lead
To place leads between the lines of.
To lead a page
Leaded matter
Lead
To guide or conduct.
Lead
To guide or conduct with the hand, or by means of some physical contact connection.
A father leads a child
A jockey leads a horse with a halter
A dog leads a blind man
Lead
To guide or conduct in a certain course, or to a certain place or end, by making the way known; to show the way, especially by going with or going in advance of, to lead a pupil; to guide somebody somewhere or to bring somebody somewhere by means of instructions.
The guide was able to lead the tourists through the jungle safely.
Lead
(figuratively): To direct; to counsel; to instruct
A good teacher should lead their students to the right answer.
Lead
To conduct or direct with authority; to have direction or charge of; to command, especially a military or business unit.
To lead a political party
To lead the search team
Lead
To guide or conduct oneself in, through, or along (a certain course); hence, to proceed in the way of; to follow the path or course of; to pass; to spend. Also, to cause (one) to proceed or follow in (a certain course).
The evidence leads me to believe he is guilty.
Lead
(intransitive) To guide or conduct, as by accompanying, going before, showing, influencing, directing with authority, etc.; to have precedence or preeminence; to be first or chief; — used in most of the senses of the transitive verb.
Lead
(heading) To begin, to be ahead.
Lead
(transitive) To go or to be in advance of; to precede; hence, to be foremost or chief among.
The big sloop led the fleet of yachts;
The Guards led the attack;
Demosthenes leads the orators of all ages
Lead
(intransitive) To lead off or out, to go first; to begin.
Lead
(intransitive) To be more advanced in technology or business than others.
Lead
(transitive) To draw or direct by influence, whether good or bad; to prevail on; to induce; to entice; to allure
To lead someone to a righteous cause
Lead
(intransitive) To tend or reach in a certain direction, or to a certain place.
The path leads to the mill;
Gambling leads to other vices
Lead
To produce (with to).
The shock led to a change in his behaviour.
Lead
Misspelling of led
Lead
(transitive) To live or experience (a particular way of life).
Lead
(not comparable) Foremost.
The contestants are all tied; no one has the lead position.
Lead
Main, principal, primary, first, chief, foremost.
The lead guitarist in band
The lead developer on a software project
Lead
One of the elements, a heavy, pliable, inelastic metal, having a bright, bluish color, but easily tarnished. It is both malleable and ductile, though with little tenacity, and is used for tubes, sheets, bullets, etc. Its specific gravity is 11.37. It is easily fusible (melting point 327.5° C), forms alloys with other metals, and is an ingredient of solder and type metal. Atomic number 82. Atomic weight, 207.2. Symbol Pb (L. Plumbum). It is chiefly obtained from the mineral galena, lead sulphide.
Lead
An article made of lead or an alloy of lead
I would have the tower two stories, and goodly leads upon the top.
Lead
A small cylinder of black lead or graphite, used in pencils.
Lead
The act of leading or conducting; guidance; direction; as, to take the lead; to be under the lead of another.
At the time I speak of, and having a momentary lead, . . . I am sure I did my country important service.
Lead
Precedence; advance position; also, the measure of precedence; as, the white horse had the lead; a lead of a boat's length, or of half a second.
Lead
The act or right of playing first in a game or round; the card suit, or piece, so played; as, your partner has the lead.
Lead
An open way in an ice field.
Lead
A lode.
Lead
The course of a rope from end to end.
Lead
The width of port opening which is uncovered by the valve, for the admission or release of steam, at the instant when the piston is at end of its stroke.
Lead
The distance of haul, as from a cutting to an embankment.
Lead
The action of a tooth, as a tooth of a wheel, in impelling another tooth or a pallet.
Lead
The announcement by one voice part of a theme to be repeated by the other parts.
Lead
In an internal-combustion engine, the distance, measured in actual length of piston stroke or the corresponding angular displacement of the crank, of the piston from the end of the compression stroke when ignition takes place; - called in full lead of the ignition. When ignition takes place during the working stroke the corresponding distance from the commencement of the stroke is called negative lead.
Lead
The excess above a right angle in the angle between two consecutive cranks, as of a compound engine, on the same shaft.
Lead
In spiral screw threads, worm wheels, or the like, the amount of advance of any point in the spiral for a complete turn.
Lead
The angle between the line joining the brushes of a continuous-current dynamo and the diameter symmetrical between the poles.
Lead
A role for a leading man or leading woman; also, one who plays such a role.
Lead
The first story in a newspaper or broadcast news program.
Lead
An electrical conductor, typically as an insulated wire or cable, connecting an electrical device to another device or to a power source, such as a conductor conveying electricity from a dynamo.
Lead
The distance a runner on base advances from one base toward the next before the pitch; as, the long lead he usually takes tends to distract the pitchers.
Lead
To cover, fill, or affect with lead; as, continuous firing leads the grooves of a rifle.
Lead
To place leads between the lines of; as, to lead a page; leaded matter.
Lead
To guide or conduct with the hand, or by means of some physical contact or connection; as, a father leads a child; a jockey leads a horse with a halter; a dog leads a blind man.
If a blind man lead a blind man, both fall down in the ditch.
They thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill.
In thy right hand lead with theeThe mountain nymph, sweet Liberty.
Lead
To guide or conduct in a certain course, or to a certain place or end, by making the way known; to show the way, esp. by going with or going in advance of.
The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way.
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask.Content, though blind, had I no better guide.
Lead
To go or to be in advance of; to precede; hence, to be foremost or chief among; as, the big sloop led the fleet of yachts; the Guards led the attack; Demosthenes leads the orators of all ages.
As Hesperus, that leads the sun his way.
And lo ! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.
Lead
To draw or direct by influence, whether good or bad; to prevail on; to induce; to entice; to allure; as, to lead one to espouse a righteous cause.
He was driven by the necessities of the times, more than led by his own disposition, to any rigor of actions.
Silly women, laden with sins, led away by divers lusts.
Lead
To guide or conduct one's self in, through, or along (a certain course); hence, to proceed in the way of; to follow the path or course of; to pass; to spend. Also, to cause (one) to proceed or follow in (a certain course).
That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.
Nor thou with shadowed hint confuseA life that leads melodious days.
You remember . . . the life he used to lead his wife and daughter.
Lead
To begin a game, round, or trick, with; as, to lead trumps; the double five was led.
Lead
To tend or reach in a certain direction, or to a certain place; as, the path leads to the mill; gambling leads to other vices.
The mountain foot that leads towards Mantua.
Lead
A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element; bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes readily to dull gray;
The children were playing with lead soldiers
Lead
An advantage held by a competitor in a race;
He took the lead at the last turn
Lead
Evidence pointing to a possible solution;
The police are following a promising lead
The trail led straight to the perpetrator
Lead
A position of leadership (especially in the phrase `take the lead');
He takes the lead in any group
We were just waiting for someone to take the lead
They didn't follow our lead
Lead
The angle between the direction a gun is aimed and the position of a moving target (correcting for the flight time of the missile)
Lead
The introductory section of a story;
It was an amusing lead-in to a very serious matter
Lead
An actor who plays a principal role
Lead
(baseball) the position taken by a base runner preparing to advance to the next base;
He took a long lead off first
Lead
An indication of potential opportunity;
He got a tip on the stock market
A good lead for a job
Lead
A news story of major importance
Lead
The timing of ignition relative to the position of the piston in an internal-combustion engine
Lead
Restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
Lead
Thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
Lead
Mixture of graphite with clay in different degrees of hardness; the marking substance in a pencil
Lead
A jumper that consists of a short piece of wire;
It was a tangle of jumper cables and clip leads
Lead
The playing of a card to start a trick in bridge;
The lead was in the dummy
Lead
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Lead
Tend to or result in;
This remark lead to further arguments among the guests
Lead
Travel in front of; go in advance of others;
The procession was headed by John
Lead
Cause to undertake a certain action;
Her greed led her to forge the checks
Lead
Stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope; run or extend between two points or beyond a certain point;
Service runs all the way to Cranbury
His knowledge doesn't go very far
My memory extends back to my fourth year of life
The facts extend beyond a consideration of her personal assets
Lead
Be in charge of;
Who is heading this project?
Lead
Be ahead of others; be the first;
She topped her class every year
Lead
Be conducive to;
The use of computers in the classroom lead to better writing
Lead
Lead, as in the performance of a composition;
Conduct an orchestra; Bairenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years
Lead
Pass or spend;
Lead a good life
Lead
Lead, extend, or afford access;
This door goes to the basement
The road runs South
Lead
Move ahead (of others) in time or space
Lead
Cause something to pass or lead somewhere;
Run the wire behind the cabinet
Lead
Preside over;
John moderated the discussion
Common Curiosities
What are the primary uses of iron?
Iron is primarily used in construction, steel production, and manufacturing of electrical appliances due to its strength and magnetic properties.
Can iron and lead be recycled?
Yes, both iron and lead are recyclable. Iron is widely recycled in steel production, while lead is carefully recycled due to its toxicity, especially in batteries.
How does lead poisoning occur?
Lead poisoning can occur through ingestion or inhalation of lead particles, commonly from deteriorating lead-based paint, contaminated water (from lead pipes), and industrial emissions.
What are some common sources of iron in the diet?
Common dietary sources of iron include red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens, and iron-fortified cereals and breads.
Why has the use of lead decreased over time?
The use of lead has decreased due to its toxicity and the health risks associated with lead exposure, leading to regulations limiting its use in products like paint, pipes, and gasoline.
What are the environmental impacts of mining iron?
Iron mining impacts the environment through land disruption, habitat destruction, and pollution from mining activities, though efforts are made to mitigate these effects.
Why is lead considered toxic?
Lead is toxic because it can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs, and is particularly harmful to children, affecting brain development.
Can the body excrete excess iron?
The body has limited ways to excrete excess iron, leading to a condition called hemochromatosis if too much iron builds up, which can damage organs.
Is there any safe level of lead exposure?
According to health experts, no level of lead exposure is considered completely safe, especially for children, as even low levels can harm a child's development.
How can lead exposure be reduced in homes?
Reducing lead exposure can involve removing or sealing off old lead paint, using water filters that remove lead, and ensuring that home renovations are conducted safely to avoid disturbing lead-containing materials.
What innovations are being made to reduce the environmental impact of iron use?
Innovations include developing more efficient mining and processing techniques, increasing the use of recycled iron, and researching alternative materials that can reduce the demand for new iron.
How is lead safely recycled?
Lead is recycled in controlled environments to prevent emission of lead particles, with workers using protective gear to avoid exposure, and often involves reclaiming lead from batteries and other products.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
