sponge

Noun

• primitive multicellular marine animal whose porous body is supported by a fibrous skeletal framework; usually occurs in sessile colonies

• a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage

• someone able to acquire new knowledge and skills rapidly and easily
  • she soaks up foreign languages like a sponge
    

• a porous mass of interlacing fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals and usable to absorb water or any porous rubber or cellulose product similarly used

Verb

• gather sponges, in the ocean

• soak up with a sponge

• erase with a sponge; as of words on a blackboard

• ask for and get free; be a parasite

• wipe with a sponge, so as to clean or moisten

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  poriferan , parazoan , leech , parasite , sponger , quick study , mooch , bum , cadge , grub