sponge

/ˈspənj/

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin spongia, from Greek

noun

  1. an elastic porous mass of interlacing horny fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals (phylum Porifera) and is able when wetted to absorb water

  2. a piece of sponge (as for scrubbing)

  3. a porous rubber or cellulose product used similarly to a sponge

parasite sycophant toady leech sponge mean a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker. parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society. sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

verb

  1. to cleanse, wipe, or moisten with or as if with a sponge

  2. to erase or destroy with or as if with a sponge —often used with out

  3. to get by sponging on another

noun

  1. a light cake made without shortening