metrical unit

/ˌmɛtrəkəl ˌjunət/
IPA guide

Other forms: metrical units

Definitions of metrical unit
  1. noun
    (prosody) a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm
    synonyms: foot, metrical foot
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    types:
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    dactyl
    a metrical unit with stressed-unstressed-unstressed syllables
    iamb, iambus
    a metrical unit with unstressed-stressed syllables
    anapaest, anapest
    a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed-stressed syllables
    amphibrach
    a metrical unit with unstressed-stressed-unstressed syllables (e.g., `remember')
    trochee
    a metrical unit with stressed-unstressed syllables
    spondee
    a metrical unit with stressed-stressed syllables
    dibrach, pyrrhic
    a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables
    type of:
    beat, cadence, measure, meter, metre
    (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
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