Definition of Physalia
1. Noun. Portuguese man-of-war.
Definition of Physalia
1. n. A genus of large oceanic Siphonophora which includes the Portuguese man-of- war.
Definition of Physalia
1. a marine organism [n -S]
Medical Definition of Physalia
1.
A genus of large oceanic Siphonophora which includes the Portuguese man-of-war.
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 coloured, 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 colours, graceful motions, and its ability to sail to windward.
Origin: NL, fr. Gr. A bladder, fr. A bellows.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Physalia
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