A pre-ferment of a wet rather than firm (dough-like) consistency It is a mixture of leavening (either commercial bakers' yeast or natural leavens), liquid and flour mixed prior to the final bread dough and allowed to ferment anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours (or more) Used to improve the flavor and texture of bread dough and to build leavening strength
If you sponge something, you clean it by wiping it with a wet sponge. Fill a bowl with water and gently sponge your face and body. Sponge down means the same as sponge. If your child's temperature rises, sponge her down gently with tepid water
Sponge is a very light soft substance with lots of little holes in it, which can be either artificial or natural. It is used to clean things or as a soft layer. a sponge mattress