'Cicadae' definitions:

Definition of 'Cicadae'

From: GCIDE
  • Cicada \Ci*ca"da\ (s[i^]*k[=a]"d[.a]), n.; pl. E. Cicadas (-d[.a]z), L. Cicad[ae] (-d[=e]). [L.] (Zool.) 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]

Words containing 'Cicadae'