Definition of: sponge

(spunj) noun
1. Any of a phylum (Porifera) of fixed, usually marine organisms characterized by a highly porous body without specialized internal organs.
2. The skeleton or network of elastic fibers that remains after the removal of the living matter from certain sponges and that readily absorbs liquids: used as an absorbent, for bathing, etc.
3. Some spongelike implement or substance that serves as an absorbent, as a swabbing implement for cleaning a cannon bore after discharge.
4. Leavened dough, or dough in the process of leavening and before kneading.
5. A porous, spongelike form assumed by finely divided metals, as iron and platinum.
6. Surg. An absorbent pad, as of sterilized gauze, used in operations, etc., to absorb blood or other fluid matter.
7. One who consumes or absorbs a great deal, as of food or drink.
8. Colloq. A person who lives at the expense of another or others; a parasite.
—to throw (or toss) up (or in) the sponge Colloq. To yield; give up; abandon the struggle.
—v. sponged, spong·ing v.t.
1. To wipe, wet, or clean with a sponge.
2. To wipe out; expunge; erase.
3. To absorb; suck in, as a sponge does.
4. Colloq. To get by mean device or at another's expense.
—v.i.
5. To be absorbent.
6. To gather or fish for sponges.
7. Colloq. To live at the expense of others. See synonyms under CLEANSE. [OE <L spongia, ult. <Gk. spongos. Akin to FUNGUS.]