*polyphemu*

n. [ L. Polyphemus the one-eyed Cyclops who was blinded by Ulysses. ] (Zool.) A very large American moth (Telea polyphemus) belonging to the Silkworm family (Bombycidæ). Its larva, which is very large, bright green, with silvery tubercles, and with oblique white stripes on the sides, feeds on the oak, chestnut, willow, cherry, apple, and other trees. It produces a large amount of strong silk. Called also American silkworm. [ 1913 Webster ]