noun

• an advantage held by a competitor in a race
  "he took the lead at the last turn"
• a soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element; bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes readily to dull grey
  "the children were playing with lead soldiers"
• evidence pointing to a possible solution
  "the police are following a promising lead"
• a position of leadership (especially in the phrase `take the lead')
  "he takes the lead in any group"

verb

• take somebody somewhere
  "We lead him to our chief"
• have as a result or residue
  "The water left a mark on the silk dress"
• tend to or result in
  "This remark lead to further arguments among the guests"
• travel in front of; go in advance of others
  "The procession was headed by John"