Definitions for: Physalia


[n] Portuguese man-of-war



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

Synonyms: genus Physalia

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

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