pumice

noun

pum·​ice ˈpə-məs 

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

pumiceous

pyü-ˈmi-shəs 

ˌpə-

adjective

Examples of pumice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, stone washing, which uses pumice stones and water to physically abrade the indigo dyestuff from the fabric surface, can be replaced by enzyme washing in low-liquid ratio machines. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 5 Dec. 2024

At the time, a team including University of California Riverside microbiologist Michael Allen took a helicopter into an area that the volcanic eruption previously reduced to porous pumice. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

Lumia can increase abrasion effects without pumice stone and replace permanganate. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Oct. 2024

Exfoliate up to twice a week with a sugar scrub or pumice stone for more manual exfoliation. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

pumice

noun

pum·​ice ˈpəm-əs 

: 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 

: a volcanic glass full of cavities and very light in weight used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing