Word Study
Cicada
CIDE DICTIONARY
Cicada, n. [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 . [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Cicada, n. (also cicala) any transparent-winged large insect of the family Cicadidae, the males of which make a loud rhythmic chirping sound.
Etymology
L cicada, It. f. L cicala, It. cigala
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