periodical cicada

noun

Examples of periodical cicada in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Brood X -- pronounced Brood 10 for the roman numeral -- is one of the 15 periodical cicada broods in the U.S. Christina Zdanowicz, CNN, 12 May 2021 Both Smithsonian Magazine and Science Magazine brought discussed the emergence of the 17-year periodical cicada Brood X as a potential link. Julia Musto, Fox News, 8 July 2021 The Magicicada septendecim, a type of periodical cicada, makes a totally different type of sound. Christina Zdanowicz, CNN, 27 July 2021 This year may be an anomaly due to a cold spell delaying the periodical cicada arrival in Ohio and Indiana. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 27 May 2021 Ann thought of Allard recently because of one of his favorite subjects: the periodical cicada. Washington Post, 22 June 2021 The resulting three lineages are the basis of the modern periodical cicada species groups, Decim, Cassini and Decula. The Conversation, oregonlive, 13 Mar. 2021 Kritsky wants to remind people about Smith and how his long and careful study of the periodical cicada set the foundation for future researchers. Washington Post, 26 May 2021 Citizen science has been part of periodical cicada emergences since the very beginning, said John Cooley, an ecology and evolutionary biology professor at University of Connecticut who studies cicadas. Sarah Bowman, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'periodical cicada.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodical cicada was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near periodical cicada

Cite this Entry

“Periodical cicada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodical%20cicada. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

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