seventeen-year locust

[sev-uhn-teen-yeer]

noun

1. 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.

seventeen-year locust

noun

1. Also called: periodical cicada. an E North American cicada, Magicicada septendecim, appearing in great numbers at infrequent intervals because its nymphs take 13 or 17 years to mature

Word History and Origins

Origin of seventeen-year locust¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Dear Jack: The seventeen-year locust isn't a locust at all.

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Butterflies have been heard to utter a loud click, and the same is true of many beetles; while the cicada, or seventeen-year locust, utters a most remarkable note or series of sounds.

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If we have had the seven-years' itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord.

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If we were threatened with any other direful visitation —influenza, say, or the seventeen-year locust,—I should naturally read up on the subject in order to know what to expect.

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Juan uttered a series of extraordinary whoops, and working his legs like the long limbs of a seventeen-year locust, he dashed to the head of the procession.

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