sponges
|spon-ges|
B1
/spʌndʒɪz/
(sponge)
absorbent material
Etymology
Etymology Information
'sponge' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'spongia', where 'spongia' meant 'sponge'.
Historical Evolution
'spongia' transformed into the Old English word 'spunge', and eventually became the modern English word 'sponge'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a porous material', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a porous material used for cleaning or absorbing liquid.
She used sponges to clean the kitchen.
Synonyms
Verb 2
to obtain something for free, often by exploiting others.
He sponges off his friends without contributing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42