spongolˈogy noun

The science of sponges

spongy /spunˈji/ adjective

1. Absorptive
2. Porous
3. Wet and soft
4. Drunken
5. (of vehicle suspension, brakes, etc) lacking firmness or responsiveness

spongeˈbag noun

1. A waterproof bag for carrying a sponge and toiletries
2. (in pl) checked or striped trousers

adjective

Checked

sponge bath noun

A washing of the body by or from a sponge, as for a sick or bedridden person

sponge cake noun

A very light sweet cake of flour, eggs, and sugar

sponge cloth noun

A cotton cloth of open texture similar to a sponge

spongeˈ-down see sponge down below.

sponge finger noun

A finger-shaped sponge cake

sponge fisher noun

sponge fishing noun

sponge rubber noun

Rubber processed into spongelike form

spongeˈware noun (ceramics)

Pottery, etc on which patterns, colours, etc are applied using a sponge

spongeˈwood noun

Sola, an Indian plant also known as the hat plant

sponˈging-house or spunˈging-house noun (obsolete)

A bailiff's lodging-house for debtors in his custody before their committal to prison

spongy parenchyma noun (botany)

A loose tissue in leaves with much intercellular space

spongy platinum or platinum sponge noun

Platinum in a finely divided state

set a sponge

To leaven a small mass of dough for use in leavening a large quantity

sponge down

To clean or wipe with a sponge (spongeˈ-down noun)

throw up (or in) the sponge

1. To acknowledge defeat by throwing into the air the sponge with which a boxer is rubbed down between rounds (cf throw in the towel)
2. To give up any struggle