esponja
sponge
noun eh-SPON-hah Rare
Origin: From Latin spongia, from Greek spongía
Usage Note
Esponja covers both the natural sea creature and the household cleaning tool. Pasarle la esponja a algo (to pass the sponge over something) is a common idiom meaning to let something go or wipe the slate clean. The adjective esponjoso means 'fluffy' or 'spongy' and is used for cakes, bread, or foam.
Examples
"Limpia la encimera con una esponja húmeda."
Natural Translation
Clean the countertop with a damp sponge.

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