A.sand, used by Hom. for ψάμαθος only in Od.12.243, later very freq., Hdt.8.71, etc.: pl., grains of sand, “αἱ ἀπ᾽ ἀλλήλων ἐσκεδασμέναι ψάμμοι” S.E.P.1.130: prov., “ψάμμος ἀριθμὸν περιπέφευγεν” Pi.O.2.98; οἶδα δ᾽ ἐγὼ ψάμμου τ᾽ ἀριθμόν Orac. ap. Hdt.1.47; ἐκ ψάμμου σχοινίον πλέκειν, of labour in vain, Aristid.2.309J.; of something worthless, LXX Wi.7.9, D. Chr.77/8.30; “ψάμμου ἄξιον” Oenom. ap. Eus.PE5.21.
2. metallic ore used by alchemists, in pl., Olymp.Alch.p.106B., Zos.Alch. p.239 B.