a. Gr. σπογγο-, combining form of σπόγγος sponge, as in Spongoblast, -clast Biol. (see quots.); Spongolith, a fossil sponge; Spongologist, an authority on sponges; a spongiologist; Spongology, the science or knowledge of sponges; Spongotype (see quot.).
1888. Rolleston & Jackson, Anim. Life, 252. The hyaline lamellae [in sponges] are secreted by pear-shaped cells or *spongoblasts..., which are probably modified connective tissue or mesodermic cells. Ibid., 798, note. According to von Lendenfeld,… these cells … are destructive in nature,—hence *spongoclasts.
1860. Maury, Phys. Geog. Sea, xiv. § 614, note. It would not be strange if these fifty-two forms were *spongoliths.
1883. in Adderley, Fisheries Bahamas, 43. Three distinct … Mediterranean forms are usually recognised, both by the trade and scientific *spongologists.
1889. Athenæum, 13 July, 67/3. No more fascinating branch of natural history exists than the new *spongology.
1892. Herkomer, Etching, 104. A *‘Spongotype.’ Enough can be seen in this imperfect illustration to gauge the possibilities of the process. It is printed from the untouched (steel-surfaced) electrotype.
