The Collaborative International Dictionary
Spongiole \Spon"gi*ole\ (sp[u^]n"j[i^]*[=o]l; 277), n. [L. spongiola a rose gall, small roots, dim. of spongia: cf. F. spongiole.] (Bot.) A supposed spongelike expansion of the tip of a rootlet for absorbing water; -- called also spongelet.
Wiktionary
n. (context botany English) A supposed sponge-like expansion of the tip of a rootlet for absorbing water.
Usage examples of "spongiole".
Its powerful antiseptic properties render it very useful to young and tender plants, by keeping the soil free of putrifying substances, which would otherwise destroy their spongioles and prevent their growth.
A continual and increasing demand for refreshment existing during the day, the root spongioles are in active operation intercepting the moisture in its descent and absorbing it, while with the lessening of the temperature on the going down of the sun reaction begins, the stomata of the leaves exercise their functions, and by the absorption of gas react on the root films, which for the time relax their duty of arresting the passage of minute particles of water, with a very definite result on the nocturnal flow.