pumice

[ puhm-is ]
/ ˈpʌm ɪs /

noun

Also called pumice stone. a porous or spongy form of volcanic glass, used as an abrasive.

verb (used with object), pum·iced, pum·ic·ing.

to rub, smooth, clean, etc., with pumice.

Origin of pumice

before 1000; < Latin pūmic-, stem of pūmex pumice stone; replacing Middle English pomis(e), pomish(e), pomice < Middle French pomis < Latin; compare Old English pumic- (< L), in pumicstān pumice stone; see pounce3

OTHER WORDS FROM pumice

pu·mi·ceous [pyoo-mish-uh s] /pyuˈmɪʃ əs/, adjective pum·ic·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for pumice

British Dictionary definitions for pumice

pumice
/ (ˈpʌmɪs) /

noun

Also called: pumice stone a light porous acid volcanic rock having the composition of rhyolite, used for scouring and, in powdered form, as an abrasive and for polishing

verb

(tr) to rub or polish with pumice

Derived forms of pumice

pumiceous (pjuːˈmɪʃəs), adjective

Word Origin for pumice

C15 pomys, from Old French pomis, from Latin pūmex

Medical definitions for pumice

pumice
[ pŭmĭs ]

n.

A light, porous, glassy lava, used as an abrasive.

Scientific definitions for pumice

pumice
[ pŭmĭs ]

A usually light-colored, porous, lightweight rock of volcanic origin. The pores form when water vapor and gases escape from the lava during its quick solidification into rock.