pumice

noun

pum·​ice ˈpə-məs How to pronounce pumice (audio)
: a volcanic glass full of cavities and very low in density that is used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing
pumiceous adjective

Examples of pumice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Key ingredients: 10% glycolic and lactic acids, pumice buffing beads, vitamin E | Base: Beads | Size: 8 oz. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 The mix is made with small Monterey pine bark, medium pumice rock, and small red lava rock. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024 However, finding rhyolite pumice betray the potential for more explosive activity in the South Sandwich Islands. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023 Keep in Mind The white clay and pumice stone may be irritating for advanced cases of acne. Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024 Per the renovation, the homeowners spruced up their grounds with river stones, which are less combustible in fires than alternatives like pumice, limestone, and gravel. Kelsey Mulvey, House Beautiful, 24 Aug. 2023 Ingredients such as pumice or perlite are also often added to these soilless mixes to provide optimal drainage. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024 Formulated with pumice and jojoba esters, and boosted AHA/BHA/PHA chemical exfoliants, the scrub grips, polishes and smooths skin. Angela Lei, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Next came ejected glowing rocks, fire and lightning, fumes of thick smoke, falling pumice and ash, earthquakes, and a powerful tsunami with waves as high as 20 meters. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pumice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pomis, from Anglo-French pomice, from Latin pumic-, pumex — more at foam

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pumice was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pumice

Cite this Entry

“Pumice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pumice. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pumice

noun
pum·​ice ˈpəm-əs How to pronounce pumice (audio)
: a very light glass that is formed by the rapid cooling of lava from volcanoes, is full of small holes, and is used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing

Medical Definition

pumice

noun
pum·​ice ˈpəm-əs How to pronounce pumice (audio)
: a volcanic glass full of cavities and very light in weight used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing

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