[sponge] n [ME, fr. OE, fr. L spongia, fr. Gk] (bef. 12c) 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 and cleaning) (3): a porous rubber or cellulose product used similarly to a sponge b: any of a phylum (Porifera) of aquatic chiefly marine lower invertebrate animals that are essentially double-walled cell colonies that are permanently attached as adults
2: a pad (as of folded gauze) used in surgery and medicine (as to remove discharge or apply medication)
3: one who lives on others: sponger
4. a: raised dough (as for yeast bread) b: a whipped dessert usu. containing whites of eggs or gelatin c: a metal (as platinum) obtained in porous form usu. by reduction without fusion "titanium ~" 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 syn see parasite
[2]sponge vb sponged ; spong.ing vt (14c) 1: to cleanse, wipe, or moisten with or as if with a sponge
2: to erase or destroy with or as if with a sponge--often used with out
3: to get by sponging on another
4: to absorb with or as if with or in the manner of a sponge ~ vi 1: to absorb, soak up, or imbibe like a sponge
2: to get something from or live on another by imposing on hospitality or good nature
3: to dive or dredge for sponges -- spong.er n