spongin

American  

[spuhn-jin] / ˈspʌn dʒɪn /

noun

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

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spongin British  

/ ˈspʌndʒɪn /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of spongin

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

Example Sentences

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

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Skeleton with well defined radiating and transverse fibres, which are never strong but form a fairly dense network with a small amount of spongin.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

Skeleton forming a moderately dense network of slender radiating and transverse fibres feebly held together; little spongin present; the meshes much smaller than in S. lacustris or S. proliferens.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

The consistency of a sponge depends on two factors—the number of spicules present, and the amount of spongin.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

The skeleton is variable in structure, sometimes being almost amorphous, sometimes having well-defined radiating and transverse fibres firmly compacted with spongin.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson