Cicada Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Biology

• Cicadas have a unique life cycle, with some species emerging only every 13 or 17 years, known as periodical cicadas.
• The loud sound produced by male cicadas can reach up to 120 decibels, which rivals the sound of a rock concert!
• Their life underground can last up to 17 years, where they feed on tree roots before emerging to mate.

Cultural Significance

• In various cultures, cicadas symbolize rebirth and immortality due to their unique life cycle and emerging behavior.
• In China, cicadas are often depicted in art and poetry as symbols of summer and vitality.
• In Japan, cicadas are celebrated in music and poetry, often evoking nostalgia for warm summer days.

Environment

• Cicadas play an essential role in their ecosystems by aerating the soil with their burrowing activity.
• They serve as a food source for a variety of birds, mammals, and even other insects, showcasing their role in the food chain.
• After emerging, cicadas help in the pollination process of many plants as they move from one location to another.

Pop Culture

• Cicadas have inspired many musical compositions, particularly in classical music, representing their distinctive sounds.
• In movies, cicadas often symbolize the passage of time and change, highlighting their connection to lifecycle themes.
• The 2003 film 'The Sound of Music' features cicadas in the background, creating a nostalgic summer atmosphere.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'cicada' comes from the Latin word 'cicada', meaning 'treehopper'.
• Ancient Greeks referred to cicadas as 'akribos', which also relates to their association with music.
• In different languages, cicadas have unique names, reflecting their cultural significance; for instance, they are called 'seïko' in Japanese.

The word 'cicada' comes from Latin, where 'cicada' means 'tree cricket'. The root can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European word '*kik'- meaning 'to make a noise'. Cicadas are found in many parts of the world and are known for their periodic life cycles, with some species emerging only once every 13 or 17 years. The fascination with cicadas has permeated various cultures, symbolizing different themes such as renewal and the cycle of life due to their dramatic life changes. In Japan, they are associated with summer and are celebrated in poetry and music. In modern ecology, cicadas continue to intrigue scientists who study their complex life histories and relationships with the environment.

This word's position of #32,276 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32273 costlier
• 32274 crematorium
• 32275 vender
• 32276 cicada
• 32277 decal
• 32278 strumming
• 32279 gayer
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