Definition & Meaning of "Portuguese man-of-war"

What is "Portuguese man-of-war"?

The Portuguese man-of-war is not a single organism but a colonial creature composed of various specialized polyps working together. It has a distinctive floating blue or purple gas-filled bladder that sits above the water, while long tentacles trail below, studded with venomous cells used for hunting and defense. Although it resembles a jellyfish, the Portuguese man-of-war is a different type of organism called a siphonophore. It is commonly found in warm ocean waters and can deliver painful stings to humans, sometimes causing severe reactions. Despite its beauty, the Portuguese man-of-war is best admired from a safe distance to avoid any unwanted encounters.