a large insect in the Homoptera families Cicadidae and Tettigarctidae —note 1. there are no contemporary Tettigarctidae in North America —note 2. the male cicada is noted for its sound-producing abilities and two- to 17-year life cycles; the insects are not serious forest pests but oviposition damage from high populations can kill twigs and small branchesThis definition last updated 07/18/2008