Lewis & Short

plumbum, i, n. [for mlumbum; Gr. μόλμβος, μόλυβδος], lead.

  1. I. Lit.
    1. 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.
    2. B. In partic.
      1. 1. A leaden ball or bullet (poet.): Balearica plumbum Funda jacit, Ov. M. 2, 727; Verg. A. 9, 587.
      2. 2. Leaden pipes (poet.): purior in vicis aqua tendit rumpere plumbum, Hor. Ep. 1, 10, 20.
      3. 3. A scourge with a leaden ball at the end of it (poet.), Prud. στεφ. 10. 116.
      4. 4. A pencil or ruler: membrana plumbo directa, Cat. 22, 7.
  2. II. Transf., a defect in the eye (post-Aug.): plumbum (quod est genus vitii) ex oculo tollitur, Plin. 25, 13, 97, § 155.