pumice

noun

pum·ice | \ ˈpə-məs

Definition of pumice

: a volcanic glass full of cavities and very low in density that is used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing

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It is estimated that the eruption of Vesuvius released 100,000 times the thermal energy of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, ejecting many tons of molten rock, pumice, and hot ash over the course of two days. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Extreme heat of Vesuvius eruption vaporized body fluids, exploded skulls," 9 Oct. 2018 Keep magic erasers and pumice for tile and hard-surface areas. — Debbie Carlson, chicagotribune.com, "5 pro tips for speeding up spring cleaning," 20 Mar. 2018 In the first phase, immediately after the eruption, a long column of ash and pumice blanketed the surrounding towns, most notably Pompeii and Herculaneum. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Extreme heat of Vesuvius eruption vaporized body fluids, exploded skulls," 9 Oct. 2018 First the raw denim was washed in a drum filled with pumice stones and bleach, then it was cut and sewn into shape. — refinery29.com, "How Brutal Cult Leader Tony Alamo Amassed A Fortune With Bedazzled Denim Jackets," 29 June 2018 For extra credit, buy a pumice stone, such as Waterworks Personal Care Pumice Stone ($8 at waterworks.com) and exfoliate your heels in the shower. — Max Berlinger, The Seattle Times, "Guys, before you switch to sandals, check out your feet," 21 June 2018 For extra credit, buy a pumice stone and exfoliate your heels in the shower. — Max Berlinger, New York Times, "Men, Are You Wearing Sandals This Summer? Read This First," 13 June 2018 The transformation is so sudden that gasses are trapped within the pumice and force their way out, leaving the rock lighter and full of holes. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Hawaii's Erupting Volcano Is Making It Rain Green Gems (Updated)," 14 June 2018 The trail up is as wide as a road and composed of rubble, a mix of dacite and pumice, and becomes steep for a half-mile climb to the rim. — Tom Stienstra, San Francisco Chronicle, "Cinder Cone’s mystery unveiled in Land of Smoke," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pumice.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

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pumice

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pumice

: a gray stone that comes from volcanoes, is full of small holes, has a very light weight, and is used especially for smoothing and polishing things or for softening the skin

See the full definition for pumice in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pumice

noun

pum·ice | \ ˈpə-məs