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.
While the set comes with a small Kanuma pumice incense holder, the brand’s bronze asymmetrical beauty—designed in collaboration with Vogel Studio—gives the ritual of burning incense an elegant flair. Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025 In October, the Turkish supplier of ecological pumice stone alternatives, won first prize in the Techstyle for Social Good Global Innovation Challenge organized by The Mills Fabrica for its innovative and sustainable approach to denim washing. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025 Reports from British ships in the Indian Ocean described encountering vast floating rafts of pumice, some stretching up to five kilometers wide. Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pumice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pumice. Accessed 1 May. 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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