n 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 liquid  2 a  :  a small pad made of multiple folds of gauze or of cotton and gauze used to mop blood from a surgical incision, to carry inhalant medicaments to the nose, or to cover a superficial wound as a dressing  b  :  a porous dressing (as of fibrin or gelatin) applied to promote wound healing  c  :  a plastic prosthesis used in chest cavities following lung surgery  3  :  an absorbent contraceptive device impregnated with spermicide that is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to cover the cervix and act as a barrier to sperm
vt, sponged  spong*ing  :  to cleanse, wipe, or moisten with or as if with a sponge < the patient's back>  .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  spongy 
 
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