loofah

 
Pronunciation: /ˈluːfə/

noun

  • 1the fibrous matter of the fluid-transport system of a marrow-like fruit, which is dried and used as a bath sponge.
  • 2the tropical Old World climbing plant of the gourd family which produces loofahs, which are also edible.
    • Luffa cylindrica, family Cucurbitaceae

Origin:

late 19th century: from Egyptian Arabic lūfa, denoting the plant