from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Palolo \Pa*lo"lo\, n., or Palolo worm \Palolo worm\ . [From
native name.] (Zool.)
A polystome worm ({Palolo viridis}) that burrows in the coral
reefs of certain of the Pacific Islands. A little before the
last quarter of the moon in October and November, they swarm
in vast numbers at the surface of the sea for breeding, and
are gathered and highly esteemed as food by the natives. An
allied species inhabits the tropical Atlantic and swarms in
June or July.
Note: In the 1890 Webster, called {palola} and {Palola
viridis}. A misspelling?
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]