Dicatalexis

/ˌdaɪkætəˈlɛksɪs/ noun

Definition

The condition in a line of poetry where two syllables are missing from the expected metrical pattern at the end.

Etymology

From di- (two) + catalexis (Greek katalexis, incompleteness). Technical term from prosody combining Greek roots to name the missing-syllable phenomenon.

Kelly Says

Ancient Greek and Latin poets had precise names for every possible rhythm break—dicatalexis was their way of saying 'we're dropping the last two beats, trust us, it works!'

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