periodical cicada

noun

Examples of periodical cicada in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These mites, also known as Pyemotes herfsi, have been previously confirmed to attack and feed on periodical cicada egg nests and have been known to cause outbreaks of bite rashes on humans, according to the University of Maryland Extension. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025 Millions of periodical cicadas bide their time, feasting on tree roots and counting the years. Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025 Annual cicadas emerge worldwide each year, but periodical cicadas are found only in eastern North America. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 In 2025, Tennessee will see the emergence of Brood XIV, a 17-year periodical cicada. Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for periodical cicada

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Periodical cicada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodical%20cicada. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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