Diacle

/ˈdaɪəkəl/ noun

Definition

In classical rhetoric, a type of metrical or structural pattern; historically also refers to a religious or ceremonial two-part structure.

Etymology

From Greek 'dia-' (through, between) + 'akle' or related to 'aklein' (to break or divide). This is an obscure classical term that survives mainly in specialized literary and historical studies.

Kelly Says

Diacle is one of those wonderfully weird words that almost nobody uses anymore—it's a ghost of classical rhetoric that reminds us how ancient scholars had incredibly detailed terminology for every tiny aspect of language structure and poetic rhythm.

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