spongin

noun

spon·​gin ˈspən-jən How to pronounce spongin (audio)
: a scleroprotein that is the chief constituent of flexible fibers found in certain sponge skeletons

Examples of spongin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Horny sponges, also called modern keratose demosponges, have a skeleton with three dimensional branching made of a tough organic substance called spongin. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 28 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spongin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German, from Latin spongia sponge

First Known Use

circa 1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spongin was circa 1868

Dictionary Entries Near spongin

Cite this Entry

“Spongin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spongin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

spongin

noun
spon·​gin ˈspən-jən How to pronounce spongin (audio)
: a protein that is the main element making up the flexible fibers in sponge skeletons

Medical Definition

spongin

noun
spon·​gin ˈspən-jən How to pronounce spongin (audio)
: a scleroprotein that is the chief constituent of flexible fibers in sponge skeletons

More from Merriam-Webster on spongin

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