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

Typical albuminoids are gelatin, keratin, elastin, fibroin, spongin and conchiolin.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg

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 Annandale, Nelson

The spongin that binds the skeleton-spicules together takes the form of a colourless or yellowish transparent membrane, which is often practically invisible.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

The spicules are joined together and cemented by a body that has been named "spongin," which has much the same chemical composition as silk, and, like silk, is very elastic.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 601, July 9, 1887 by Various