Pumices

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of volcanic rock characterized by its lightweight and porous structure, often formed during explosive eruptions; a material used in beauty treatments for exfoliating skin; the action of smoothing or removing roughness from a surface using such a rock
2. An igneous stone that is both light and airy, commonly used in cosmetics for its abrasive qualities; a natural resource utilized in personal care to slough off dead skin; the process of refining surfaces by grinding or polishing with this specific type of rock
3. A natural, porous volcanic material known for its ability to float on water and common use in beauty regimens for skin smoothing; a versatile stone employed in various applications for its texture; the technique of using this stone to create a smoother finish on different surfaces

Etymology: "Pumices" is the third-person singular present form of the verb "pumice," meaning to rub or polish something with pumice stone. The verb comes from the noun, which entered English through Anglo-Norman and Old French "pomis," itself descended from Latin "pūmex," the name for this light, frothy volcanic rock. The stone's name points to its nature. Pumice forms when volcanic lava is charged with gas that bubbles out as it cools, leaving a rock so full of holes that it can float on water. The Latin word is thought to be linked to foam, which fits that airy, spongy texture. Pumice and "pounce" are doublets, two words from the same Latin source that reached English by different routes. "Pounce," meaning a fine powder used to dust over stencils or to absorb ink, came through French as well, and the shared ancestry is visible in the way both were once used to smooth or prepare surfaces.

Synonyms: volcanic rocks