palolo

noun

pa·​lo·​lo
pəˈlō(ˌ)lō
variants or palolo worm or less commonly bololo
bə-
plural -s
: a eunicid worm (Eunice viridis) that burrows in the coral reefs of various Pacific islands and swarms in vast numbers at the surface of the sea for breeding a little before the last quarter of the moon in October and November when they are gathered as highly esteemed food

Word History

Etymology

Samoan & Tongan palolo

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Dictionary Entries Near palolo

Cite this Entry

“Palolo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palolo. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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