How Do You Spell PLUMBUM?

Pronunciation: [plˈʌmbəm] (IPA)

Plumbum is a word that refers to the chemical element lead. The spelling of this word is quite unusual, and it reflects the Latin origin of the term. The IPA phonetic transcription for Plumbum is /ˈplʌmbəm/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short 'u' sound, followed by a long 'm' sound at the end. The pronunciation of this word can be challenging for non-native speakers, but it is essential for anyone working with or studying the properties of this element.

PLUMBUM Meaning and Definition

1. Plumbum, derived from the Latin word for lead (plumbum), refers to the chemical element with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82. It is a malleable, soft, and bluish-white metal that lends its name to the term "plumbing". With a relatively low melting point of 327.5 degrees Celsius, plumbum has been used by various civilizations throughout history due to its manifold properties and applications.

   In terms of its chemical and physical properties, plumbum has a high density, making it heavy and versatile for various industrial purposes. It boasts a low reactivity with other elements, offering excellent corrosion resistance. It is non-toxic in solid form, but its soluble compounds can be highly toxic if ingested or inhaled, posing significant health risks. Because of this, the use of plumbum in everyday items like paint and gasoline has been regulated or phased out in many countries.

   Historically, plumbum has been used in plumbing and piping systems due to its resistance to corrosion and ability to form tight seals. Its applications also extend to construction, battery manufacturing, bullets, and various alloys. Additionally, plumbum has played a role in the production of ceramics, radiation shielding, and certain medical treatments.

   Given its toxic nature, it is crucial to handle plumbum with care and adhere to regulations concerning its usage and disposal.

2. Lead, a metallic element, symbol Pb, atomic weight 207.1, of metallic luster and bluish gray color. Lead, either the metal or its salts, causes a distressing form of chronic poisoning marked by severe colic with constipation, wrist drop, and the presence of a bluish line on the gums.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PLUMBUM

• plumbn
• plumbim
• olumbum
• llumbum
• -lumbum
• 0lumbum
• pkumbum
• ppumbum
• poumbum
• plymbum
• plhmbum
• pljmbum
• plimbum
• pl8mbum
• pl7mbum
• plunbum
• plukbum
• plujbum
• plumvum
• plumnum

Etymology of PLUMBUM

The word "plumbum" originates from Latin, where it referred to the chemical element we now know as lead (Pb). The Latin term traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*pleu-", meaning "to flow". This root also gave rise to words such as "pluvia" (rain) and "flumen" (river) in Latin. The word "plumbum" likely came about due to the easily malleable and flowing nature of lead.