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 After soaking and drying your hands, dip the pumice stone in warm water and use gentle, circular strokes to remove calluses.7 Exfoliating Cream Exfoliating creams remove layers of dead skin, and lotions moisturize and soften skin. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024 Final products have authentic vintage looks, high and lows and a better blueish cast compared to pumice stone, Venier said. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2024 The body scrub is formulated with a rich blend of glycolic and lactic acids for 10 percent AHA potency, plus finely ground pumice to effectively slough off dry, dead skin cells, polish, and improve skin texture. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 Aug. 2024 The pair appeared to use the bedroom to hide from the falling pumice during the eruption, which occurred in 79 A.D., and the room's seal caused the pair to be crushed from the volcano's pyroclastic flow. James Powel, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pumice 

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 14 Oct. 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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