litharge Meaning, Definition & Usage

OE. litarge, F. litharge, L. lithargyrus, Gr. the scum or foam of silver; stone + silver. Litharge is found in silverbearing lead ore.

(Chem.) Lead monoxide; a yellowish red substance, obtained as an amorphous powder, or crystallized in fine scales, by heating lead moderately in a current of air or by calcining lead nitrate or carbonate. It is used in making flint glass, in glazing earthenware, in making red lead minium, etc. Called also massicot.