sponge

As well as damage to natural habitats and animal life, Thomas warned loss of soil could increase flood risks, because it no longer acts as a "sponge" holding water on high ground.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

Traore saw himself as a "big ball of clay" that Jones could mould, and the coach says he was "like a sponge" in terms of retaining information.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

The enriched flour, high-fructose corn syrup, and tallow that help make up the American classic give each small sponge cake about 65 days to be consumed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

"The resulting material is like a sponge that can absorb large quantities of CO2 via the potassium hydroxide," Mezzenga explains.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 11, 2026

When things get beyond him he throws up the sponge altogether; he just goes to pieces.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque

Environmentalists also say river bank fortifications destroy shallow-water zones where aquatic life and insects breed -- and the adjoining natural floodplains that act like sponges at times of excess water.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

Tommy, who used acrylic paint and a mixture of brushes and sponges to achieve different textures, said: 'I just wanted to make something colourful, plus feet are easier to draw than faces!

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

Kitchen sponges are a staple in most homes, but they may also be an overlooked source of microplastic pollution.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 1, 2026

The “underwater city” of a barrier reef bustles with activity, with vibrantly patterned fish darting busily between corals and sea sponges.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026

Their own retainers made a busy sight with houseboys mixing bowls of water and wine, or sopping water up in sponges, wiping tables to be placed about in hall, or butchering whole carcasses for roasting.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

“Michael sort of sponged off of Gary,” Wellman said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2025

The magnesium had an unexpected beneficial effect: It "sponged out" inadvertent impurities in the tantalum and, as a result, raised the temperature at which it operates as a superconductor.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 5, 2024

Pastor Pam and Jen lowered me gently to the ground, a kneeling, knowledgeable Officer K sponged me to consciousness and remained with me until the Fire Department arrived.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 8, 2022

She sponged the mattresses with disinfectant and, eventually, took in a stray cat to fight the rodents.

From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2022

She brushed her hair and put it up and covered it with a sleeping cap, and she sponged her face with Florida water.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Alice spends her days cleaning Lady Jemima’s stinky shoes, sponging her underwear and greasing her long blonde hair.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

Dr. Jay has studied the body’s responses to sitting near an electric fan, wearing wetted clothing and sponging down with water.

From New York Times ● Jun. 13, 2022

I’ve got her stool and her bucket and her towel, and I’m sponging her off on a nightly basis, sending her back into the fray.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 3, 2022

Wetlands also act as our planet's kidneys, sponging up excess rainwater to prevent flooding, and filtering out some sediment and contaminants before they can reach springs, creeks, groundwater, ocean.

From Salon ● Mar. 19, 2021

And she so appreciated Charles’s letters: “Your minute accounts are such a comfort and I enjoyed sponging our dear one with vinegar as much as you did.”

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman