About The Word Physalia

Bay Area Crosswords

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Physalia

Physalia Meaning & Definition
Physalia Definition And Meaning

What's The Definition Of Physalia?

[n] Portuguese man-of-war

Synonyms | Synonyms for Physalia: genus Physalia

Related Terms | Find terms related to Physalia:

See Also | coelenterate genus | jellyfish | man-of-war | order Siphonophora | Portuguese man-of-war | Siphonophora

Physalia In Webster's Dictionary

\Phy*sa"li*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a bladder, fr. ? a bellows.] (Zo["o]l.) A genus of large oceanic Siphonophora which includes the Portuguese man-of-war. Note: It has a large air sac, or float, with a sail-like crest on its upper side. Numerous zooids of different kinds are attached to the under side of the float. Some of the zooids have very long tentacles; some have a mouth and digest food; others produce gonophores. The American species ({Physalia arethusa}) is brilliantly colored, the float being pink or purple, and bright blue; the zooids blue. It is noted for its virulent stinging powers, as well as for its beautiful colors, graceful motions, and its ability to sail to windward.

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