catalectic
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˌkætəˈlɛktɪk/
- Literature
- The final line of the poem is catalectic, giving it a sense of abruptness.
Examples
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In classical poetry, a catalectic line often signals the end of a stanza.
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Scholars debated whether the irregular rhythm was intentional or merely a catalectic error.
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A line can be catalectic.
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Look at this catalectic verse!
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In classical poetry, a catalectic line often signals the end of a stanza.
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The final line of the poem is catalectic, giving it a sense of abruptness.
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Scholars debated whether the irregular rhythm was intentional or merely a catalectic error.
Synonyms
A line of poetry missing the final syllable
How Long
Surface Forms
Morphology
catalectic = catalect + ic
Although formed from a Greek combining form plus the productive English suffix '-ic', the combining form 'catalect-' is not a standalone English word and provides no clear cue to meaning for typical learners.
Etymology
Catalectic comes from Greek and once meant 'left off' or 'cut short', so a catalectic line is a line of poetry that is 'cut short' at the end and misses a final syllable.