Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
family Cicadidae

family Cicadidae

1 7.2
A group of large, loud insects called cicadas with clear wings
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli sɪˈkeɪdəˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: familia Cicadidae
  • The family Cicadidae is well known for the loud, distinctive sounds produced by its members.

Examples

  • Most of the insects in the family Cicadidae spend years underground before emerging to sing.

  • Scientists have identified over 3,000 species within the family Cicadidae worldwide.

  • The family Cicadidae is known for its loud mating calls.

  • Many species in the family Cicadidae emerge every 17 years.

  • Many species in the family Cicadidae emerge from the ground to make their loud calls during hot summer months.

  • The family Cicadidae includes various species that are recognized for their distinctive and powerful mating songs.

  • In the family Cicadidae, the adult cicadas can often be heard singing during the day in warm climates.

Synonyms

Cicadidae
vsfamily Cicadidae
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A group of large insects called cicadas with clear wings and loud calls

is similar but locates them mainly in warm climates rather than worldwide

Surface Forms

family Cicadidae singular
families Cicadidae plural

Morphology

family + Cicadidae

This is a straightforward taxonomic construction: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Cicadidae' directly denotes the group of insects called Cicadidae. Because the meaning is compositional and follows common cross-linguistic scientific naming patterns, a learner who knows both constituents will readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Family Cicadidae gets its name from the old Latin word cicada, a name for a noisy, singing insect. The root points to their loud 'song', so the family name fits this group of insects known for their loud calls.