Physalia
1
9.9
A floating sea animal with a gas-filled float and long stinging tentacles
- noun
- /fɪˈzeɪliə/
- Specialized
:
Physalia
- During our trip to the beach, we saw a Physalia floating in the water, with its colorful tentacles trailing behind it.
Examples
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The Physalia, commonly known as the Portuguese man-of-war, can deliver a painful sting if touched.
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The expedition arrived this evening at Physalia Seamount.
Blog text (32) -
Physalia physalia.
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Physalia physalia.
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While snorkeling, I was cautious to avoid any Physalia I might encounter due to their long, venomous tentacles.
Synonyms
man-of-war
vsPhysalia
2
9.2
A floating sea animal with a small float and long stinging tentacles
is the scientific genus term rather than the usual common name
Portuguese man-of-war
vsPhysalia
1
8.8
A large sea animal with a float and long tentacles that can sting people
is the scientific genus name for the same animal
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word Physalia comes from the Greek root physa, which means 'bladder' or 'bubble'. That's why the animal is named this way: a Physalia has a gas-filled float like a little bubble that keeps it on the water and carries long stinging tentacles.