Periodical Cicada Definition
noun
Any of several cicadas of the genus Magicicada of the eastern United States that have a 17-year or 13-year life cycle and spend most of their lives underground as nymphs. Broods of periodical cicadas in a given region emerge synchronously in large numbers, metamorphosing into winged adults that mate, lay eggs, and die shortly thereafter.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
- Magicicada septendecim
- seventeen-year-locust
Other Word Forms of Periodical Cicada
Noun
Singular:
periodical cicada
Plural:
periodical cicadasRelated Articles
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