Like loofahs perhaps ultimately emitting unpleasant odour (6)

I believe the answer is:

spongy

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'like' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for spongy that I've seen before include "Easily squashed" , "Porous, absorbent, soft" , "prepared to absorb" , "Absorbing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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