軽石(かるいし)

かるいし
noun
pumice; pumice stone
nature
1. pumice; pumice stone
A light, porous volcanic rock full of tiny air holes, so light that it can float on water. Used to scrub calluses off skin, clean rough surfaces, and improve drainage in potted plants.
軽石(かるいし)は水(みず)に浮(う)く。
Pumice floats on water.
軽石(かるいし)でかかとをこする。
I scrub my heels with a pumice stone.
火山(かざん)の近(ちか)くの海岸(かいがん)には軽石(かるいし)がたくさん流(なが)れ着(つ)いていた。
A lot of pumice had washed up on the beach near the volcano.

A porous volcanic rock light enough to float. Named from 軽(かる)い (light) + 石(いし) (stone).

Common collocations

  • 軽石(かるいし)でこする: to scrub with a pumice stone
  • 軽石(かるいし)が浮(う)く: pumice floats
  • 軽石(かるいし)の層(そう): a layer of pumice

Usage

  • removing calluses and rough skin from feet
  • scouring stubborn grime
  • lightening and aerating garden soil

Related Words

Related: 鉢底石(はちぞこいし) (pot-bottom drainage stones)
general
Added 2026.7.1 9:20 · Revised 2026.10.5 11:10
29500/29594_karuishi