hypercatalectic

9.9

A line of poetry with one or more extra syllables at the end

adjective
/ˌhaɪpərˈkætəˌlɛktɪk/

Literature

: hipercataléctico

The poem's last line is hypercatalectic, containing an extra weak syllable beyond the regular meter.

Examples

Scholars noted that the stanza included a hypercatalectic line, altering the poem's rhythm.
A hypercatalectic ending can create a sense of extension or emphasis in traditional verse forms.
The poem's last line is hypercatalectic.
Is this verse hypercatalectic or not?
A hypercatalectic line can add unexpected surprise to the rhythm of a poem.
The poet skillfully crafted a hypercatalectic ending, enhancing the emotional impact of the final line.
In his analysis, he explained how a hypercatalectic line can influence the overall flow of a poem.

Synonyms

hypermetrical

vshypercatalectic

Literature

9.9

A line of poetry with more syllables than usual

specifies that the extra syllables appear at the line end rather than generally

Antonyms

catalectic

Literature

1 9.9

A poetic line that is missing one or more syllables at the end

How Long

hypercatalectic

Literature

9.9

acatalectic

Literature

9.9

catalectic

Literature

1 9.9

Surface Forms

hypercatalectic positive

Morphology

hypercatalectic = catalectic (semi-transparent) = hyper + catalectic

This is a regular prefixation of the technical term 'catalectic' with 'hyper-', but the specialized metrical meaning is not readily inferable for many learners.

Etymology

Hypercatalectic breaks into hyper- and catalectic, where hyper- means 'too much', as in hyperactive, and catalectic is a poetry term meaning 'missing its last beat'. So a hypercatalectic line has 'too many' beats, an extra syllable at the end, which makes the line feel longer or gives extra emphasis.