pumice
/'pʌmis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A very light, porous, and abrasive volcanic rock formed from frothy lava. It is typically pale in color and floats on water.
- A piece of this rock, often used as an abrasive for smoothing or cleaning surfaces.
Verb:
- To rub, smooth, or clean a surface with pumice.
Examples
- Noun:
- The beach was covered in gray pumice from the recent volcanic eruption.
- She used a piece of pumice to remove the rough skin from her feet.
- Verb:
- The artisan pumiced the wooden surface to prepare it for finishing.
- You can pumice stubborn stains off the ceramic tile.
Advanced Usage
- Geological Context: In geology, 'pumice' refers specifically to the frothy, glassy rock texture formed by rapid cooling and depressurization of gas-rich lava.
- The volcanic deposit consisted primarily of ash and pumice.
- Cosmetic/Personal Care Context: Refers to the use of pumice stones for exfoliation.
- Regular use of a pumice stone can help keep calluses soft.
Variants and Related Words
- Pumice stone: (noun) Another common term for a piece of pumice, especially when used as a tool.
- He bought a new pumice stone for the shower.
- Pumiceous: (adjective) Of or resembling pumice.
- The pumiceous texture of the rock made it very light.
Synonyms
- Noun: Lava rock, volcanic glass, abrasive stone, scoria (note: scoria is typically denser and darker).
- Verb: Scour, abrade, sand, smooth, polish.
Related Phrases
- Pumice float test: A simple test to identify pumice based on its ability to float in water.
- We performed a pumice float test on the collected samples.
- Pumice concrete: A lightweight concrete made using pumice as an aggregate.
- Pumice concrete is often used in construction for its insulating properties.
Noun
- a light glass formed on the surface of some lavas; used as an abrasive
Verb
- rub with pumice, in order to clean or to smoothen