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 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 For the man looking to advance his beauty routine, there’s also a pumice stone and emery boards. Addie Morton, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2023 Materials that dry quickly and leave extra space for drainage (such as orchid bark, perlite, and pumice) work best. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2023 From pumice soap to foot peels, heal your heels in just five products for softer, smoother skin. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 31 Aug. 2023 But to prevent the third of the park that remains hidden under pumice and meters of earth from becoming overgrown with thorn bushes, wild hedges and trees, Pompeii has found a more appropriately ancient, and inexpensive, solution in hungry sheep. Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2022 For tougher stains, bleach can be effective when added to the bowl alongside water, then wiped with either a scrub brush or a pumice stone. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2023 Some practitioners recommend paring back the wart with a pumice stone or emery board before application. Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 7 Sep. 2023 For a less common but very affordable and effective way to remove fabric pills, use a pumice stone. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 See More

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 2 Dec. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pumice

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