Cicala

/sɪˈkɑːlə/ noun

Definition

An archaic or variant term for cicada; the buzzing insect.

Etymology

From Italian 'cicala' or Spanish 'cigarra,' related to Latin 'cicada.' Represents Romance language evolution of the Latin term with different regional pronunciation.

Kelly Says

Cicala shows how Latin 'cicada' evolved differently across Romance languages—Italians said it this way, Spanish speakers developed 'cigarra,' and French created 'cigale'—all descended from Romans who heard the same sound and named it.

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