(Science: chemistry) 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.
Origin: oe. Litarge, f. Litharge, L. Lithargyrus, gr. The scum or foam of silver; stone – silver. Litharge is found in silverbearing lead ore.