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physa

noun
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phy·​sa | \ ˈfīsə \

Definition of physa

1a capitalized : a widely distributed genus (the type of the family Physidae) of freshwater air-breathing snails, having a sinistral, ovate, usually rather short-spired shell and slender nonretractile tentacles with the eyes at their bases
b plural -s : any snail of the genus Physa
2 plural physae\ -​ˌsē , -​ˌsī \ also physas : the lower often retractile part of the body of some anthozoans

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History and Etymology for physa

New Latin, from Greek physa bellows

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Cite this Entry

“Physa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physa. Accessed 23 Oct. 2020.

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