Chloriambus

/klɔːriˈæmbəs/ noun

Definition

Same as chloriamb; a metrical foot in classical poetry with a specific four-syllable pattern used in dramatic verse.

Etymology

From Greek chloriambos (Latin nominative form chloriambus). The -us ending is the Latin nominative singular form used in English classical studies.

Kelly Says

Chloriambus appears in classical Greek drama, especially in plays—ancient playwrights used it to create specific rhythmic effects that would have sounded distinctive to Greek audiences, much like we use rhythm in rap today.

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