Pumice: meaning, definitions and examples

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pumice

[ˈpʌmɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

volcanic rock

Pumice is a type of highly porous, lightweight volcanic rock that is formed when lava with high water and gas content is ejected from a volcano during an explosive eruption. It is characterized by its frothy texture and ability to float on water.

Synonyms

frothy stone, lightweight lava, volcanic rock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pumice	Commonly used in beauty and spa treatments for exfoliating skin, also frequently employed in industrial applications for polishing and cleaning. She used a pumice stone to remove calluses from her feet The carpenter used powdered pumice to smooth the wooden surface
volcanic rock	Used in both scientific and general everyday contexts to refer broadly to rock formed from volcanic activity, without specifying its properties. Volcanic rock covers the island, a testament to its fiery past Scientists studied the volcanic rock samples to understand the eruption's history
frothy stone	Usually used in a more poetic or descriptive manner, often when describing the texture and appearance of the stone. The cave was filled with frothy stones, giving it a mystical appearance The artist admired the unique look of the frothy stone wall
lightweight lava	Typically used in geological or construction contexts to describe the properties of volcanic materials that make them ideal for specific uses. Lightweight lava is often used in landscaping due to its ease of handling Builders prefer lightweight lava for creating efficient, insulated concrete

Examples of usage

She collected a piece of pumice from the beach.
Pumice is often used in beauty products as an exfoliant.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

abrasive material

Pumice is also used as an abrasive material in various industrial and household applications, such as cleaning, polishing, and scrubbing. Its abrasive properties make it effective for removing dead skin cells and stains.

Synonyms

abrasive stone, exfoliating agent, scouring material.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pumice	Used mainly in health and beauty products to remove dead skin cells, especially on the feet. It is a light, porous volcanic rock. She used a pumice stone to smooth her heels. Pumice is great for treating rough skin.
abrasive stone	Refers to any hard material used to grind, smooth, or polish surfaces. Common in industrial or craft settings. The craftsman used an abrasive stone to sharpen his tools. Abrasive stones are essential for metalwork.
scouring material	Used for cleaning hard surfaces and removing tough stains. Often applied in household cleaning. She used a scouring material to clean the burnt residue off the pan. Scouring materials are effective for scrubbing bathroom tiles.
exfoliating agent	Typically used in skincare, this term refers to substances used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Can be chemical or physical. The face scrub has an exfoliating agent to help clear pores. Exfoliating agents are key in achieving smooth skin.

Examples of usage

The pumice stone was used to scrub the hard water stains from the toilet.
Pumice powder is a common ingredient in some toothpaste.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'pumice' comes from the Latin word 'pumex,' which means 'foam,' referring to its bubbly, frothy texture.
In ancient Rome, pumice was used in baths to smooth skin, showing its long-standing use in personal care.

Geology

Pumice forms when volcanic lava cools quickly and traps gas bubbles, which creates its porous structure.
It's usually light enough to float on water, a unique trait among rocks that demonstrates its air-filled pockets.

Practical Uses

Pumice is used in beauty products, like foot scrubs, to remove dead skin because its coarse texture is effective for exfoliation.
In construction, crushed pumice is added to concrete to produce lightweight, insulating building materials.

Cultural Insights

In certain cultures, pumice stones are considered a traditional beauty tool, reflecting the value placed on smooth skin throughout history.
Many artisanal crafts incorporate pumice to enhance textures in pottery and sculpture, showcasing its versatility in art.

Environmental Impact

Pumice is often used in gardening as a soil amendment, improving drainage and aeration for healthier plant growth.
The lightweight nature of pumice makes it an ecological alternative to heavier construction materials, reducing carbon footprints.

Translations

Translations of the word "pumice" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pumice

🇮🇳 प्यूमिस

🇩🇪 Bimsstein

🇮🇩 batu apung

🇺🇦 пемза

🇵🇱 pumeks

🇯🇵 軽石 (けいせき)

🇫🇷 pierre ponce

🇪🇸 piedra pómez

🇹🇷 ponza taşı

🇰🇷 경석 (경석)

🇸🇦 حجر الخفاف

🇨🇿 pemza

🇸🇰 pemza

🇨🇳 浮石 (fúshí)

🇸🇮 plovec

🇮🇸 vikursteinn

🇰🇿 пемза

🇬🇪 პემზა (pemza)

🇦🇿 pemza

🇲🇽 piedra pómez

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,914, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19912 peptic
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