periodical cicada

noun

Examples of periodical cicada in a Sentence

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Today several trillion periodical cicadas are emerging across 15 states in a rare double brood event, literally covering the ground in some places. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 31 May 2024 Then, there are periodical cicadas that come in waves. Keely Brewer, The Daily Memphian, and Brittney J. Miller, Cedar Rapids Gazette, Journal Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2024 After spending 13 or 17 years underground and weeks above ground, some of the earliest periodical cicadas are completing their life cycle and starting to die off. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 4 June 2024 The University of Maryland Extension says that the abundance of periodical cicadas emerging in their brood years may lead to an increase of the mite's population, and a rise of mite bites to humans. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for periodical cicada 

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodical cicada was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near periodical cicada

Cite this Entry

“Periodical cicada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodical%20cicada. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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