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cicada

noun ci·ca·da \ sə-ˈkā-də , -ˈkä- ; sī-ˈkā- \

Definition of cicada

plural cicadas also cicadae play \-ˈkā-(ˌ)dē, -ˈkä-\
: any of a family (Cicadidae) of homopterous insects which have a stout body, wide blunt head, and large transparent wings and the males of which produce a loud buzzing noise usually by stridulation

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Recent Examples of cicada from the Web

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Did You Know?

Members of a family of insects, cicadas have a stout body, wide blunt head, two pairs of transparent wings, prominent compound eyes, and three simple eyes. Most of the 1,500 known species are found in tropical deserts, grasslands, and forests. Males produce loud noises by vibrating membranes near the base of the abdomen. Most North. American cicadas produce rhythmical ticks, buzzes, or whines, though the "song" of some species is musical. Periodic cicadas, including the well-known 17-year cicada (often erroneously called the 17-year locust) and 13-year cicada appear in regular cycles. Their larvae burrow into the ground, where they remain for 13 or 17 years, feeding on juices sucked from roots. Then they emerge in large numbers to live aboveground as adults for a single week.

Origin and Etymology of cicada

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cicada

Other Insect Terms

drone, entomology, gadfly, pismire, proboscis, vespine

CICADA Defined for English Language Learners

cicada

noun

Definition of cicada for English Language Learners

  • : a large insect

CICADA Defined for Kids

cicada

noun ci·ca·da \ sə-ˈkā-də \

Definition of cicada for Students

: an insect that has transparent wings and a stout body and the males of which make a loud buzzing noise

Learn More about cicada

  1. See words that rhyme with cicada Spanish Central: Translation of cicada Nglish: Translation of cicada for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cicada

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