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]