English Words Starting With L

• lead line

  nounC1
  /ˈlɛd ˌlaɪn/A weighted line used to measure the depth of water, traditionally with a lead weight at the end.
• lead monoxide

  nounC2+ / Very Low
  /ˌlɛd mɒˈnɒksaɪd/A chemical compound consisting of one lead atom bonded to one oxygen atom (PbO).
• lead on

  verbMedium
  /ˌliːd ˈɒn/To encourage someone to believe something that is not true, especially regarding romantic feelings, intentions, or hopes, in order to deceive or manipulate them.
• lead oxide

  nounLow
  /ˌlɛd ˈɒksaɪd/A chemical compound formed from the element lead (Pb) and oxygen (O). It is an inorganic material, typically a powder or solid.
• lead pencil

  nounB1
  /ˌlɛd ˈpɛns(ə)l/A writing or drawing instrument consisting of a thin rod of graphite (commonly but mistakenly called lead) encased in wood.
• lead poisoning

  nounC1
  /ˌlɛd ˈpɔɪz(ə)nɪŋ/A serious medical condition caused by the accumulation of lead metal in the body, damaging the nervous system and other organs.
• lead screw

  nounC2
  /ˈliːd ˌskruː/A threaded rod that converts rotational motion into linear motion in machinery.
• lead sheet

  nounC1
  /ˌliːd ˈʃiːt/A musical notation that specifies the essential melody, lyrics, and chord symbols of a song, used as a basic guide for performance.
• lead tetraethyl

  nounC2
  /ˌlɛd ˌtɛtrəˈiːθaɪl/A highly toxic, organolead compound historically used as an anti-knock additive in petrol (gasoline).
• lead time

  nounC1
  /ˈliːd ˌtaɪm/The period of time between the initiation and completion of a process; the preparation or production time required.
• lead track

  nounC1
  /ˈliːd ˌtræk/The main or opening song on an album, often the one released to promote the album.
• lead tree

  nounLow
  /ˈlɛd ˌtriː/A tropical shrub or small tree (Leucaena leucocephala), known for its rapid growth, feathery leaves, and tolerance to poor soil.
• lead up to

  verbB2
  /ˌliːd ˈʌp tuː/To be an immediate precursor or preparation for a significant event; to gradually approach or build toward a climax or main point.
• lead white

  nounC2/Obscure/Very Low
  /ˌlɛd ˈwaɪt/A basic lead carbonate pigment used historically in paints and cosmetics; specifically, a toxic, opaque white substance with a high covering power.
• lead-in

  adjectivenounC1
  /ˈliːd ɪn/An opening segment or introductory part of something, designed to introduce the main topic, performance, or event.
• lead-off

  adjectivenounverbC1
  /ˈliːd ɒf/To begin or start something, especially an event, series, or turn at batting.
• lead-pipe cinch

  nounLow
  /ˌlɛd.paɪp ˈsɪntʃ/Something that is completely certain or guaranteed to happen or succeed; an extremely easy task.
• lead-up

  nounB2
  /ˈliːd ʌp/The period, events, or actions that precede and prepare for a more important main event.
• leadbeater's cockatoo

  nounC2 (Very Low Frequency)
  /ˈlɛdbɛtəz ˈkɒkətuː/A species of cockatoo, specifically the pink cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri), named after the naturalist Benjamin Leadbeater.
• leadbelly

  nounC2
  /ˈlɛdˌbɛli/A nickname, most famously for the American folk and blues musician Huddie William Ledbetter (1888–1949).

Showing 1601–1620 of 5456 words.