xylospongium

Meanings

1. A Greek and Roman utensil consisting of a sea sponge fixed to the end of a wooden stick, typically thought to have been used for anal hygiene or as a toilet brush.

Etymology

From Latin xylospongium, from Ancient Greek ξῠλοσπόγγῐον (xŭlospóngĭon), diminutive of ξῠλόσπογγος (xŭlóspongos). By surface analysis, xylo- (“wood”) + sponge.