Cicale

/sɪˈkɑːl/ noun

Definition

A French term for cicada; the insect.

Etymology

From Latin 'cicada,' evolved through Old French and modern French pronunciation. Represents the French evolutionary path of the Latin word, distinct from Italian and Spanish versions.

Kelly Says

Cicale is why 'La Fontaine's fable about the grasshopper and ant features a 'cigale'—that's the French cicada, and the fable spread the word across Europe as high literature, so even non-French speakers know it.

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