| periodical cicada n. A cicada of the genus Magicicada of the eastern United States whose 17-year or 13-year life cycle consists almost entirely of a nymphal stage spent underground. Upon emerging from this stage, the periodical cicada transforms into a winged adult, mates, lays eggs, and dies shortly thereafter. Also called seventeen-year locust. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  periodical cicada - North American cicada; appears in great numbers at infrequent intervals because the nymphs take 13 to 17 years to maturecicada, cicala - stout-bodied insect with large membranous wings; male has drum-like organs for producing a high-pitched drone genus Magicicada, Magicicada - seventeen-year locust |
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