seventeen-year locust

American  

[sev-uhn-teen-yeer] / ˈsɛv ənˈtinˌyɪər /

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.

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seventeen-year locust British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of seventeen-year locust

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg