plumbum, i, n. [for mlumbum; Gr. μόλμβος, μόλυβδος], lead.
I Lit.
A In gen.: dolia plumbo vincito, Cato R. R. 39: plumbum album, tin , Lucr. 6, 1079; Caes. B. G. 5, 12; called also candidum, Plin. 34, 16, 47, § 157; but plumbum nigrum, lead , id. 34, 16, 47, § 159.—
B In partic.
1 A leaden ball or bullet (poet.): Balearica plumbum Funda jacit, Ov. M. 2, 727; Verg. A. 9, 587.—
2 Leaden pipes (poet.): purior in vicis aqua tendit rumpere plumbum, Hor. Ep. 1, 10, 20.—
3 A scourge with a leaden ball at the end of it (poet.), Prud. στεφ. 10. 116.—
4 A pencil or ruler : membrana plumbo directa, Cat. 22, 7.—
II Transf., a defect in the eye (post-Aug.): plumbum (quod est genus vitii) ex oculo tollitur, Plin. 25, 13, 97, § 155.