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pumice

(pum′is)

noun

an extremely porous, glassy, extrusive igneous rock typically light enough to float on water, used as an abrasive and in making soaps, polishes, etc.

also pumice stone

Origin: ME pomis < OFr < L pumex < IE base *(s)poimno-, foam

transitive verb pumiced, pumicing

to clean, polish, etc. with pumice

Related Forms:

pumiceous adjective

See pumice in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A light, porous, glassy lava, used in solid form as an abrasive and in powdered form as a polish and an abrasive.

transitive verb pum·iced, pum·ic·ing, pum·ic·es

To clean, polish, or smooth with pumice.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman pomis

Origin: , from Late Latin pōmex

Origin: , from Latin pūmex

Origin: , alteration of spūma, foam

Related Forms:

pu·miˈceous (pyo͞o-mĭshˈəs, pə-) adjective

pumˈic·er noun

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