catalectic

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (prosody) a line of verse that lacks a syllable in the last metrical foot
  2. adjective (verse) metrically incomplete; especially lacking one or more syllables in the final metrical foot

Etymology

From Latin catalecticus, from Ancient Greek καταληκτικός (katalēktikós, “leaving off, incomplete”) from κατάληξις (katálēxis).

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