absorbent vs sponge-like

absorbent

noun
  • Any substance which absorbs and neutralizes acid fluid in the stomach and bowels, as magnesia, chalk, etc.; also a substance, e.g., iodine, which acts on the absorbent vessels so as to reduce enlarged and indurated parts. 

  • A liquid used in the process of separating gases or volatile liquids, in oil refining. 

  • Anything which absorbs. 

adj
  • Having the ability or tendency to absorb; able to soak up liquid easily; absorptive. 

sponge-like

How often have the words absorbent and sponge-like occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )