pomace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency, Technical/Specialist)Technical / Agricultural / Industrial
Quick answer
What does “pomace” mean?
The pulpy residue remaining after fruit (especially apples) has been crushed to extract the juice, used particularly in the production of cider or for animal feed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The pulpy residue remaining after fruit (especially apples) has been crushed to extract the juice, used particularly in the production of cider or for animal feed.
Any similar byproduct or residue from pressing or crushing plant material, such as olives (olive pomace) or grapes, or, figuratively, any worthless or leftover matter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term; often associated with rural industries, cider-making, or biofuel production.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage; slightly more likely encountered in UK contexts due to traditional cider production, but remains a specialist term in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “pomace” in a Sentence
The [noun] produces a large amount of pomace.Pomace from [source] is often [used/disposed of].They pressed the apples, leaving behind the pomace.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pomace” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The cider mill sells the dried apple pomace as cattle feed.
- Traditional methods involve pressing the pomace a second time to extract more tannins.
American English
- The olive pomace is further processed to create pomace oil.
- New regulations govern the disposal of grape pomace from wineries.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In agribusiness reports discussing waste management or byproduct valorisation.
Academic
In papers on food science, renewable energy, or agricultural engineering.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in cideries, olive oil mills, wineries, and biofuel production facilities.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pomace”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'three pomaces').
- Confusing it with 'pumice' (the volcanic rock used for cleaning).
- Pronouncing it like 'poh-MACE' instead of 'PUM-iss'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, pomace is the specific wet, pulpy residue from pressing fruit. It can be composted, but it is a raw material, not the finished compost.
Generally not in its raw form after pressing, as it is fibrous and less palatable. However, components like apple pomace are sometimes used in baked goods or animal feed, and olive pomace oil is edible.
'Pulp' is a more general term for the soft, moist part of a fruit. 'Pomace' is specifically the crushed, leftover pulp *after* the juice or oil has been extracted under pressure.
Its usage is highly specialised, confined to agricultural and industrial contexts. Most people encounter the product (cider, olive oil) but not the production waste.
The pulpy residue remaining after fruit (especially apples) has been crushed to extract the juice, used particularly in the production of cider or for animal feed.
Pomace is usually technical / agricultural / industrial in register.
Pomace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʌmɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːmɪs/ or /ˈpʌmɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated; the word itself is highly specific)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'POMACE' as the 'POMace' left after making apple juice from a POМе (Russian for 'apple'). It's the ACE of waste products for cider makers.
Conceptual Metaphor
POMACE IS THE CORPSE OF THE FRUIT (after its essence/life (juice) has been taken).
Practice
Quiz
In which industry is the term 'pomace' MOST commonly used?