Pronunciation: [lˈiːd ʃˈɒt] (IPA) 
The spelling of "lead shot" might seem confusing for non-native speakers of English. The word "lead" is pronounced as /lɛd/ with a short "e" sound, and the "a" is often silent. On the other hand, "shot" is pronounced as /ʃɑt/ with a long "o" sound. Therefore, the correct pronunciation of "lead shot" is /lɛd ʃɑt/. This term refers to small balls of lead used in shotguns for hunting and shooting sports.
Lead shot refers to small spheres or pellets made of lead that are commonly used as ammunition in shotguns. It is employed primarily for hunting birds, especially waterfowl, due to its effectiveness in bringing down flying targets.
Lead shot is typically produced by pouring molten lead through a sieve, resulting in droplets that solidify into spherical shapes. These pellets come in various sizes or gauges, with the appropriate size depending on the specific type of hunting. The sizes range from the smaller #9 to the larger #2, with larger numbers denoting smaller pellets. The most common size used for bird hunting is #7½.
The use of lead shot is advantageous as it offers a dense and heavy material that maximizes the kinetic energy transfer upon impact. This ensures effective penetration and a higher probability of cleanly taking down the target. Furthermore, the malleability and deformability of lead pellets enable them to spread out upon firing, increasing the chances of hitting the flying target.
However, it is important to note that the use of lead shot has been restricted or banned in some regions due to environmental concerns. The ingestion of spent lead pellets by waterfowl and other animals may lead to lead poisoning, posing risks to both wildlife and humans. As a result, alternative non-toxic materials like steel or other alloys are utilized in these areas as a safer alternative.
The word "lead shot" has a relatively simple etymology.
The term "lead" comes from the Old English "lēad", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "loudhom". The element "lead" refers to the heavy, dense, and soft metallic substance.
The word "shot" originated from the Old English verb "sceotan", which meant "to shoot, throw, or project". It is related to the Middle Dutch word "schoten" and the Old High German word "sciozan".
Therefore, "lead shot" refers to small metallic pellets or projectiles made of lead, which are fired from a firearm or a similar weapon.
