Sponge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sponge
[spสndส ]
Definitions
kitchen
A sponge is a soft, porous object used for cleaning and absorbing liquids. It is commonly made of cellulose or foam.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sponge |
Used to clean surfaces or objects, often in the kitchen or bathroom. Can also refer to a porous material that absorbs liquids.
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| scrubber |
Refers to a tool or device with a rough surface used for scrubbing or scouring. Often used for tougher cleaning tasks.
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| swab |
Typically used in medical or scientific contexts to collect samples, or clean delicate surfaces. Can also refer to cleaning small areas.
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| absorbent |
Describes a material or object that can soak up liquids well. Common in contexts where absorption is needed, such as cleaning or in medical settings.
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Examples of usage
- The kitchen sponge is used to wash dishes.
- She used a sponge to soak up the spilled milk.
- I need to buy a new sponge for cleaning the countertops.
marine biology
A sponge is a simple aquatic animal that belongs to the phylum Porifera. Sponges are filter feeders that live in oceans and freshwater.
Synonyms
aquatic animal, filter feeder, porifera.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sponge |
Same as the first 'sponge' definition; it serves a dual role for both the common item and the natural aquatic creature, showcasing its multifaceted usage.
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| porifera |
Use this scientific term to refer to the phylum that includes sponges. This term is typically used in academic or scientific discussions.
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| filter feeder |
Use this term to describe organisms that feed by straining suspended matter and food particles from water. This term is often used in biology and marine science.
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| aquatic animal |
Use this term to describe any animal that lives in water. This is a very broad category and can refer to fish, mollusks, and other creatures.
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Examples of usage
- The diver observed a variety of colorful sponges on the coral reef.
- Sponges play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
- The sponge's body is full of pores that help it filter food particles from the water.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Sponges are unique animals in the phylum Porifera, characterized by their porous bodies and lack of true tissues.
- They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by filtering water and providing habitats for many small sea creatures.
Art and Culture
- In ancient Greece, sponges were used in the art of writing; scribes soaked them in water to remove ink from their tablets.
- Famous comic character SpongeBob SquarePants popularized sponges in modern culture, showcasing their fun and quirky side.
Science
- Sponges can regenerate lost parts, with some species capable of reassembling even after being completely disintegrated.
- They are known to be one of the oldest multicellular organisms on Earth, existing for over 600 million years.
Technology
- In construction, synthetic sponges are used for their absorbent properties, particularly in cleaning and maintenance.
- Researchers have developed sponge-inspired materials for water filtration processes to help purify drinking water.
Origin of 'sponge'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sponge' comes from the Latin word 'spongia', which in turn comes from the Greek word 'spongos'.
- Historically, sponges were harvested from the sea, especially in regions like the Mediterranean, where natural sponges were abundant.
The word 'sponge' originated from the Latin word 'spongia' and the Ancient Greek word 'spongia'. Sponges have been used for cleaning purposes for centuries, with natural sea sponges being harvested from the Mediterranean Sea. The synthetic sponges we use today were developed in the early 20th century.