Spongiform - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Spongiform describes something that resembles or has the porous, sponge-like structure of a sponge. It is often used in biology, such as in spongiform encephalopathy, referring to brain tissue with a spongy appearance.
Definition:
Resembling a sponge in texture or structure, often referring to porous or degenerative tissue.
Synonyms:
porous, spongy, absorbent, perforated
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
solid, dense
Common Collocations:
spongiform encephalopathy, spongiform tissue, spongiform degeneration
Derivatives:
spongiformity, spongiformly
Usage Tips:
Use "spongiform" to describe materials or tissues with a porous, sponge-like appearance or structure.
Common Phrases:
spongiform brain disease, spongiform change, spongiform transformation
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "spongia" (sponge) + "-form," meaning "having the form of."
Examples:
- 1. The scientist examined the spongiform tissue under the microscope.
- 2. Spongiform encephalopathy affects the brain's structure severely.
- 3. The rock had a spongiform texture full of tiny holes.
- 4. Doctors studied the spongiform degeneration in the patient’s cells.