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
pyü-ˈmi-shəs How to pronounce pumice (audio)
ˌpə-
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.
Soon, the highway cuts through miles of gray and white volcanic pumice and ash, creating a lunar-like landscape that manages to confuse the visual senses. — Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Do not use your pumice stone near surgical sites or injuries, especially if the skin is broken. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Tonello treated the fabrics with a range of finishing techniques, including ozone, laser and NoStone, the company’s process for achieving stonewashed effects without pumice stones. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 This pick combines the best of both worlds with a blend of AHA, BHA, and polyhydroxy acid (PHA), plus super-fine volcanic pumice suspended in a satiny gel. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for pumice

See All Rhymes for pumice

Browse Nearby Words

pumex
pumice
pumiced sole
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pumice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pumice. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pumice

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