Ci*ca"da (?), n.; pl. E. Cicadas (#), L. Cicadae (#). [L.] Zool.
Any species of the genus Cicada. They are large hemipterous insects, with nearly transparent wings. The male makes a shrill sound by pecular 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.
© Webster 1913.