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
adjective ˌpə-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web For a less common but very affordable and effective way to remove fabric pills, use a pumice stone. 
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2022 Physical exfoliants are made of rough particles that may come from apricot pits, pumice, volcanic ash, or sugar crystals. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Mar. 2022 Formulated with jojoba beads and pumice, this face scrub effectively removes all impurities stuck on the skin by buffing away dead skin and dislodging sebum and oil in deep pores allowing the skin to feel and look cleansed. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 May 2022 Across the way, on the largely uninhabited island of Therasia, Psychas built what is known as the Hideaway in 2011 out of an old pumice mine that juts directly into the Aegean. Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 24 Feb. 2022 Inorganic amendments are perlite, pumice, vermiculite and Utelite. oregonlive, 2 Jan. 2022 As a result, the soil on the archipelago is incredibly acidic, filled with volcanic minerals like basalt, ash, granite, pumice, and obsidian. Annie Daly, Marie Claire, 25 Aug. 2021 Keep them happy: Grow monkey cups in 3 parts sphagnum moss to one part of a course material, such as perlite, orchid bark, pumice, or lava rock. Sunset Magazine, 16 Oct. 2020 Parthasarathy recommends steering clear of metal foot files or callus removers – or anything sharper than a pumice stone. Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2021 See More
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2022 Physical exfoliants are made of rough particles that may come from apricot pits, pumice, volcanic ash, or sugar crystals. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Mar. 2022 Formulated with jojoba beads and pumice, this face scrub effectively removes all impurities stuck on the skin by buffing away dead skin and dislodging sebum and oil in deep pores allowing the skin to feel and look cleansed. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 May 2022 Across the way, on the largely uninhabited island of Therasia, Psychas built what is known as the Hideaway in 2011 out of an old pumice mine that juts directly into the Aegean. Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 24 Feb. 2022 Inorganic amendments are perlite, pumice, vermiculite and Utelite. oregonlive, 2 Jan. 2022 As a result, the soil on the archipelago is incredibly acidic, filled with volcanic minerals like basalt, ash, granite, pumice, and obsidian. Annie Daly, Marie Claire, 25 Aug. 2021 Keep them happy: Grow monkey cups in 3 parts sphagnum moss to one part of a course material, such as perlite, orchid bark, pumice, or lava rock. Sunset Magazine, 16 Oct. 2020 Parthasarathy recommends steering clear of metal foot files or callus removers – or anything sharper than a pumice stone. Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2021 See More 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 ˈpə-məs
: a very light porous volcanic glass that is used 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