spongin

American

[spuhn-jin] / ˈspʌn dʒɪn /

noun

a scleroprotein occurring in the form of fibers that form the skeleton of certain sponges.

spongin British

/ ˈspʌndʒɪn /

noun

a fibrous horny protein that forms the skeletal framework of the bath sponge and related sponges

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of spongin

First recorded in 1865–70; sponge + -in ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

spongin

Another type of protein, spongin, may also be present in the mesohyl of some sponges.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

Skeleton very delicate; radiating fibres rarely consisting of more than two parallel spicules; transverse fibres far apart, frequently consisting of single spicules; very little spongin present.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Nelson Annandale

In S. carteri var. mollis both spicules and spongin are reduced to a minimum, and the parenchyma is relatively more bulky than usual.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Nelson Annandale

The amount of spongin present is also different in different species.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Nelson Annandale

Spicules forming triangular meshes and occasionally arranged in vertical lines several spicules broad but without spongin.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Nelson Annandale

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023