periodical cicada: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Biological; occasionally used in general journalism or descriptive writing.
Quick answer
What does “periodical cicada” mean?
A type of cicada (large insect) of the genus Magicicada, known for its extremely long, synchronized life cycles of 13 or 17 years, during which the nymphs live underground before emerging en masse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of cicada (large insect) of the genus Magicicada, known for its extremely long, synchronized life cycles of 13 or 17 years, during which the nymphs live underground before emerging en masse.
The term is also used metaphorically to describe phenomena that are rare, cyclical, or arrive predictably after a long period. It can symbolise patient waiting, sudden emergence, overwhelming presence, or natural cycles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The insect is native to North America, so the term is primarily used in American English contexts. In British English, the term would be used in a biological context or when referring to the American phenomenon; it's not part of everyday fauna vocabulary.
Connotations
In AmE: A specific, remarkable natural event. In BrE: An exotic, scientific, or news-worthy curiosity.
Frequency
High frequency in US media during emergence years (every 13 or 17 years) in relevant regions. Very low frequency in UK media, except in nature documentaries or science reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “periodical cicada” in a Sentence
The [Brood X] periodical cicadas [are emerging] [this spring].We witnessed [the emergence] of [the periodical cicadas].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “periodical cicada” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The forest will soon be periodical-cicada-ed (humorous, non-standard).
American English
- Our neighborhood is about to get cicadaed (colloquial).
adjective
British English
- We studied the periodical-cicada emergence patterns.
American English
- It was a classic periodical cicada year.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for market cycles or product launches that occur at long, predictable intervals. (e.g., 'This product update has a periodical cicada release cycle.')
Academic
Primary usage in entomology, ecology, and evolutionary biology to discuss life cycles, prime-number evolution, and predator satiation.
Everyday
Used when discussing a notable natural event in the eastern US. (e.g., 'The periodical cicadas are so loud this year!')
Technical
Precise term for insects in the genus Magicicada, specifying brood and year class.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “periodical cicada”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “periodical cicada”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “periodical cicada”
- Using 'periodic' instead of 'periodical' (both are acceptable, but 'periodical' is the standard biological term).
- Calling them 'locusts'. Locusts are a type of grasshopper.
- Thinking they emerge every year.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they do not bite or sting. They are harmless to humans and pets, though their sheer numbers and noise can be overwhelming.
These are prime numbers. Scientists hypothesise that emerging in prime-numbered years makes it harder for predators with cyclical population booms to synchronise with them, aiding survival.
A 'brood' refers to a geographically distinct population that emerges in a specific set of years. A 'year class' refers to the lifecycle length (e.g., the 17-year class). Multiple broods can belong to the same year class.
The nymphs feed on root xylem fluid underground, and adults may drink from stems, but they are not major agricultural pests like locusts. Young trees can be damaged by egg-laying.
A type of cicada (large insect) of the genus Magicicada, known for its extremely long, synchronized life cycles of 13 or 17 years, during which the nymphs live underground before emerging en masse.
Periodical cicada is usually technical/biological; occasionally used in general journalism or descriptive writing. in register.
Periodical cicada: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɪə.riˈɒd.ɪ.kəl sɪˈkɑː.də/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɪr.iˈɑː.dɪ.kəl sɪˈkeɪ.də/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like periodical cicadas, his visits were rare but predictable.”
- “The team emerged with periodical cicada-like intensity after years of quiet work.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A PERIODical magazine comes out regularly. A PERIODical cicada comes out *very* regularly – but only every 13 or 17 years!'
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CYCLE; PATIENCE LEADS TO A SUDDEN, OVERWHELMING EMERGENCE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the key characteristic of a periodical cicada, as opposed to an annual cicada?