[sev-uh
n-teen-yeer] 
| a cicada, Magicicada septendecim, of the eastern U.S., having nymphs that live in the soil, usually emerging in great numbers after 17 years in the North or 13 years in the South. |
| periodical cicada n. A cicada of the genus Magicicada of the eastern United States whose 17-year or 13-year life cycle consists almost entirely of a nymphal stage spent underground. Upon emerging from this stage, the periodical cicada transforms into a winged adult, mates, lays eggs, and dies shortly thereafter. Also called seventeen-year locust. |
| sev·en·teen-year locust (sěv'ən-tēn'yîr') n. See periodical cicada. |