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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The report highlights the denim industry’s use of hazardous chemicals (24 percent of processes), particularly potassium permanganate (PP) and pumice stones. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Apr. 2025 As previously reported, the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius released thermal energy roughly equivalent to 100,000 times the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II, spewing molten rock, pumice, and hot ash over the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in particular. Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025 Key Ingredients: Kaolin, mandelic acid, pumice How to Use: One to three times a week, massage using circular motions into clean, dry skin. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024 Surrounding states, including Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, would face pyroclastic flows—a dangerous high-density mix of hot lava blocks, pumice, ash and volcanic gas. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pumice

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pumice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pumice. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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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