n.
- a sedentary aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body supported by a framework of fibres or spicules.
[Phylum Porifera.]
- a piece of a soft, light, porous absorbent substance originally consisting of the fibrous skeleton of a sponge but now usually made of synthetic material, used for washing, as padding, etc.
▸a piece of sponge impregnated with spermicide and inserted into a woman's vagina as a form of barrier contraceptive.
- Brit. a very light cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour but little or no fat.
- informal a person who lives at someone else's expense.
- informal a heavy drinker.
- metal in a porous form.
v.
(sponges, sponging or spongeing, sponged)
- wipe or clean with a wet sponge or cloth.
-
(often sponge off)
informal obtain money or food from others without giving anything in return.
- give a decorative effect to (a wall or surface) by applying paint with a sponge.
▸decorate (pottery) using a sponge.
Derivative
- spongeable adj.
- sponge-like adj.
Etymology
OE, via L. from Gk spongia, later form of spongos, reinforced in ME by OFr. esponge.
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