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physalia |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Physalia \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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: Physalia n : Portuguese man-of-war [syn: {Physalia}, {genus Physalia}]
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