Definition

Noun: 1. A light, porous, volcanic rock: A very light and abrasive stone formed from solidified lava froth, used primarily for smoothing or polishing surfaces. 2. A piece of this rock used as a tool: A specific piece of this volcanic rock, often shaped for handling, used to remove rough skin or clean surfaces.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • She used a pumice stone to smooth the calluses on her feet.
  • The artisan polished the wooden sculpture with a pumice stone.
  • Pumice stone floats on water because it is so porous.

Advanced Usage

• "To pumice" (verb, derived): The act of using a pumice stone.
  • She pumiced her heels until they were smooth.

Variants and Related Words

• Pumice (noun): The material itself, often used interchangeably with "pumice stone."
  • The beach was covered in fine grains of pumice from the volcanic eruption.
• Pumiceous (adjective): Having the qualities of or resembling pumice.
  • The pumiceous texture of the rock made it very light.

Synonyms

• Lava stone (specifically when referring to its volcanic origin and abrasive use).
• Abrasive stone (a general term for stones used for grinding or smoothing).

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the natural volcanic glass. Synthetic abrasives or similar tools (like metal files) are not pumice stones, though they may serve a similar function.
• Its defining characteristics are its extreme lightness, porosity, and abrasive quality.

Noun

1. a light glass formed on the surface of some lavas; used as an abrasive