The Collaborative International Dictionary
Cicada \Ci*ca"da\ (s[i^]*k[=a]"d[.a]), n.; pl. E. Cicadas (-d[.a]z), L. Cicad[ae] (-d[=e]). [L.] (Zo["o]l.) Any species of the genus Cicada or of the family Cicadidae. They are large hemipterous insects, with nearly transparent wings. The male makes a shrill sound by peculiar organs in the under side of the abdomen, consisting of a pair of stretched membranes, acted upon by powerful muscles. A noted American species ( Cicada septendecim) is called the seventeen year locust. Another common species is the dogday cicada.
Syn: cicala. [1913 Webster]
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See cicada
Usage examples of "cicadae".
The numberless associations of locusts, vanessae, cicindelae, cicadae, and so on, are practically quite unexplored.
An ibis (Theristicus melanops -- a species said to be found in central Africa) is not uncommon on the most desert parts: in their stomachs I found grasshoppers, cicadae, small lizards, and even scorpions.
Yet perhaps with sunflowers and cicadae, summer and winter, cattle, wife and family, the settler may create a full and various existence.