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sponge

sponge

 
pronunciation:
spuhnj
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
throw in the sponge
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: any of various aquatic animals with a porous body and a tough fibrous or calcareous skeleton formed of irregular clumps or branched masses that are attached to underwater surfaces.
definition 2: the light, flexible, porous skeleton mass of certain of these animals, dried without the fleshy matter and used for cleaning and bathing.
 
definition 3: any similar absorbent material made of rubber, cellulose, cotton gauze, or various synthetics, and used for surgical purposes, cleaning, and the like.
 
definition 4: one who is considered to be unnecessarily dependent on others, as for money.
similar words:
drone
definition 5: a person who easily absorbs much information or knowledge.
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phrase: throw in the sponge
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: sponges, sponging, sponged
definition 1: to wipe, clean, or moisten with a sponge.
definition 2: to soak up or absorb with a sponge (usu. fol. by "up").
He sponged up the water that had spilled on the floor.
definition 3: to obtain by relying on others' generosity.
He sponged another meal from me last night.
similar words:
bum
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to use a sponge to absorb, clean, or moisten something.
He's still sponging in the bathtub.
definition 2: to get others to supply one's needs (often fol. by "off" or "on").
She's been sponging off her sister for years.
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derivation: spongelike (adj.)
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See
  art, hygiene, invertebrate, ocean, water