man-of-war
/'mænəv'wɔ:/ Cách viết khác : (man-o'-war) /'mænəv'wɔ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A large siphonophore (a colonial marine animal) having a bladder-like float and long, stinging tentacles. This is a specific type of jellyfish-like organism, scientifically part of the genus Physalia, commonly known as the Portuguese man o' war. 2. A warship intended for combat. This is an archaic or historical term for a powerful sailing warship, typically armed with cannons.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (Marine Animal):
- We saw a beautiful but dangerous man-of-war washed up on the beach.
- The sting from a man-of-war can be extremely painful.
- Noun (Warship):
- The 18th-century man-of-war was a formidable sight with its three masts and rows of guns.
- The fleet consisted of several men-of-war ready for battle.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often hyphenated: man-of-war. The plural is men-of-war.
- When referring to the marine animal, it is frequently capitalized as part of its full common name: Portuguese man-of-war (or Portuguese man o' war).
Variants and Related Words
- Portuguese man-of-war (n): The full common name for the siphonophore .
- Warship (n): A modern, more general synonym for the naval vessel meaning.
- Frigate (n): A type of warship; some historical frigates could be described as men-of-war.
- Ship of the line (n): A specific type of large, powerful sailing warship from the age of sail, synonymous with a major man-of-war.
Synonyms
- For the marine animal: Portuguese man o' war, bluebottle (in some regions).
- For the warship: warship, battleship (for large types), naval vessel, ship of the line.
Notes on Different Meanings
The two primary meanings of "man-of-war" are entirely distinct and belong to different domains (biology/marine zoology and naval history). Context is essential to determine which is intended. The marine animal meaning is more common in modern general usage.
Noun
- large siphonophore having a bladderlike float and stinging tentacles
- a warship intended for combat