1. a yellow or reddish crystalline compound of lead oxide used in making glass, glazes, and paints
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• The glassmaker added litharge to create a brilliant crystal finish.
• Litharge is commonly used in the production of lead-crystal glassware.
• The ceramic artist mixed litharge into the glaze for a distinctive color.
• Industrial painters once used litharge as a drying agent in oil-based paints.
• The chemistry lab stored litharge in a sealed container due to its lead content.
• Ancient potters discovered that litharge could create beautiful glazed surfaces.