- Any species of the genus Cicada. 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 (C. septendecim) is called the seventeen year locust.
Another common species is the dogday cicada.
Definition
[ n.]