SPONGE Meaning and
Definition
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A sponge is a type of porous, absorbent material that is commonly used for cleaning or bathing. It is typically made from natural sea sponges or synthetic materials. Sponges have a unique structure consisting of numerous small pores that allow them to absorb and hold onto liquid, making them effective for various cleaning tasks.
In the context of cleaning, a sponge is often used in combination with soap or detergent to scrub surfaces and remove dirt, grime, or stains. The sponge's absorbent nature helps to lift and retain the dirt particles, allowing for efficient cleaning. Sponges can be found in various shapes and sizes, including rectangular, circular, or even specialized forms designed for specific cleaning purposes.
Apart from cleaning, sponges are also commonly utilized for personal hygiene, particularly during bathing or showering. When wetted, a sponge can hold water and lather well with soap or shower gel, providing a gentle and thorough cleansing experience. Sea sponges, known for their natural origins, are favored by some individuals for their softness and ability to exfoliate the skin.
The term "sponge" is also used beyond its physical object representation. It can metaphorically refer to a person who readily absorbs or takes advantage of others' generosity or resources without reciprocation, earning the term "sponger" or "sponge" as a label. This usage highlights the negative connotation associated with someone who exploits or takes advantage of others for personal gain.
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1. The fibrous skeleton of an aquatic organism from which all cellular matter has been removed; employed in surgery for mopping away blood and other fluids during an operation; now usually replaced by 2. Any absorbent material, such as gauze or prepared cotton, used in lieu of a sponge in surgical operations. 3 Any material having a sponge like texture, such as iron sponge, used in the purification of water.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A well-known porous substance much used for domestic purposes, being the skeleton of marine protozoa; a soft sponge-like substance for cleaning and wiping, &c.; one who pertinaciously lives upon others; bakers dough before it is finally kneaded and shaped to be baked into bread.
• To wipe or cleanse with a sponge; to wipe out completely; to imbibe or suck in; to gain by mean arts; to harass by extortion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SPONGE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SPONGE
Etymology of SPONGE
The word "sponge" originated from the Old English word "spon" or "spong", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "spunjō". This word eventually evolved into "spunge" in Middle English and later became "sponge" in Modern English. The Proto-Germanic word may have been influenced by the Latin word "spongia", which had a similar meaning. Ultimately, the origins of the word can be connected to the Greek word "spongiā", which also referred to a sponge.
Idioms with the word SPONGE
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sponge sth up
The idiom "sponge sth up" typically means to quickly and eagerly absorb or take in information, knowledge, or skills. It often implies a person's ability to learn or grasp something easily and effortlessly. The phrase can also be used in a literal sense, referring to the act of soaking up liquid with a sponge.
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sponge sth off of sm or sth
The idiom "sponge something off of someone or something" generally means to take advantage of someone's or something's generosity or resources without giving anything in return. It implies someone constantly relying on others or exploiting their kindness without contributing in any significant way.
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sponge sth from sth
To "sponge something from something" is an idiomatic expression that means to obtain or extract something, usually information or knowledge, from someone or something.
Example:
"The journalist sponged all the necessary details from the witness in order to write a comprehensive article about the incident."
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sponge sth from sm
The idiom "sponge something from someone" means to obtain or acquire something from someone, often in a sly or manipulative manner. It refers to the act of taking advantage of someone's generosity or resources without giving anything in return, similar to how a sponge absorbs liquid without giving anything back.
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sponge sm or sth down
The idiom "sponge sm or sth down" means to clean or wipe something (or someone) using a sponge or similar object. It refers to the act of applying water or a cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, or other substances from a surface.
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throw in the sponge
The idiom "throw in the sponge" means to give up, surrender, or concede defeat. It originates from boxing, where throwing in the sponge is a gesture made by the trainer or coach to signal the fighter's surrender and withdrawal from the match.
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throw in the sponge/towel
The idiom "throw in the sponge/towel" means to give up, surrender, or quit, especially when faced with a difficult or challenging situation. It is derived from the sport of boxing, where a boxer's trainer throws a sponge or towel into the ring to indicate their fighter's surrender. Similarly, in other contexts, it refers to admitting defeat or abandoning an effort or ambition.
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throw in the towel/sponge
To "throw in the towel" or "throw in the sponge" is an idiomatic expression that means to give up, surrender, or admit defeat. It originates from the world of boxing, where a boxer's coach would literally throw a towel or sponge into the ring to signal the boxer's resignation.
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sponge sth away
The idiom "sponge sth away" refers to the act of effortlessly and quickly eliminating or getting rid of something, typically a problem, difficulty, or debt. It implies the ease of absorbing and eliminating a situation, usually without significant effort or consequences.
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sponge away
Similar spelling words for SPONGE
- sphingid,
- spang,
- Spangler,
- spaying,
- sphingine,
- spunk,
- spenser,
- spangled,
- spongy,
- Spence,
- spank,
- spinnaker,
- Spong,
- Spink,
- sponge on,
- spinose,
- sponger,
- spengler,
- Sponsler,
- spangle,
- spying,
- sponge up,
- spinus,
- spinster,
- spinks,
- spanos,
- spongefly,
- spunky,
- spanking,
- spanker,
- spencer.
Conjugate verb Sponge
CONDITIONAL
I
would sponge
you
would sponge
he/she/it
would sponge
we
would sponge
they
would sponge
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be sponging
you
would be sponging
he/she/it
would be sponging
we
would be sponging
they
would be sponging
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have sponge
you
would have sponge
he/she/it
would have sponge
we
would have sponge
they
would have sponge
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been sponging
you
would have been sponging
he/she/it
would have been sponging
we
would have been sponging
they
would have been sponging
FUTURE
I
will sponge
you
will sponge
he/she/it
will sponge
we
will sponge
they
will sponge
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be sponging
you
will be sponging
he/she/it
will be sponging
we
will be sponging
they
will be sponging
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have sponged
you
will have sponged
he/she/it
will have sponged
we
will have sponged
they
will have sponged
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been sponging
you
will have been sponging
he/she/it
will have been sponging
we
will have been sponging
they
will have been sponging
IMPERATIVE
you
sponge
we
let´s sponge
to sponge
PAST
I
sponged
you
sponged
he/she/it
sponged
we
sponged
they
sponged
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was sponging
you
were sponging
he/she/it
was sponging
we
were sponging
they
were sponging
PAST PARTICIPLE
sponged
PAST PERFECT
I
had sponged
you
had sponged
he/she/it
had sponged
we
had sponged
they
had sponged
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been sponging
you
had been sponging
he/she/it
had been sponging
we
had been sponging
they
had been sponging
PRESENT
I
sponge
you
sponge
he/she/it
sponges
we
sponge
they
sponge
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am sponging
you
are sponging
he/she/it
is sponging
we
are sponging
they
are sponging
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
sponging
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have sponged
you
have sponged
he/she/it
has sponged
we
have sponged
they
have sponged
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been sponging
you
have been sponging
he/she/it
has been sponging
we
have been sponging
they
have been sponging
I
would have sponged
we
would have sponged
you
would have sponged
he/she/it
would have sponged
they
would have sponged
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