sponge

¹sponge

noun \ˈspənj\

Definition of SPONGE

1

a (1) : an elastic porous mass of interlacing horny fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals (phylum Porifera) and is able when wetted to absorb water (2) : a piece of sponge (as for scrubbing) (3) : a porous rubber or cellulose product used similarly to a sponge b : any of a phylum (Porifera) of aquatic chiefly marine simple invertebrate animals that have a double-walled body of loosely aggregated cells with a skeleton supported by spicules or spongin and are filter feeders that are sessile as adults

2

: a pad (as of folded gauze) used in surgery and medicine (as to remove discharge)

3

: one who lives on others

4

a : a soft mixture of yeast, liquid, and flour that is allowed to rise and then mixed with additional ingredients to create bread dough b : a whipped dessert usually containing whites of eggs or gelatin c : a metal (as platinum) obtained in porous form usually by reduction without fusion <titanium sponge> d : the egg mass of a crab

5

: an absorbent contraceptive device that is impregnated with spermicide and inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to cover the cervix

— sponge·like \ˈspənj-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of SPONGE

1. <finally told the sponge to move out of their house and to get a job>

Origin of SPONGE

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin spongia, from Greek

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SPONGE

Synonyms: bloodsucker, freeloader, free rider, hanger-on, moocher, parasite, leech, sponger

Related Words: dependent; deadbeat, idler; flunky (also flunkey or flunkie), henchman, lackey, satellite, stooge, sycophant, toady, yes-man; cheapskate, miser, niggard, piker, scrooge, skinflint, tightwad

Near Antonyms: benefactor, philanthropist, supporter

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See Synonym Discussion at parasite

Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms

anemone, cephalopod, quahog

Rhymes with SPONGE

grunge, lunge, plunge