Dodecasyllabic

/ˌdoʊdɛkəsɪˈlæbɪk/ adjective

Definition

Consisting of or having twelve syllables; relating to words or verses with exactly twelve syllables.

Etymology

From Greek 'dodeca' (twelve) + Latin 'syllaba' (syllable) + '-ic' (relating to). The term combines a Greek numerical prefix with a Latin linguistic element to describe words or metrical patterns with precisely twelve syllables.

Kelly Says

In poetry and metrics, the dodecasyllabic line (or alexandrine in French verse) became one of the most important poetic forms—French poets used 12-syllable lines as their 'home base' meter for centuries, the way English poets used iambic pentameter (10 syllables).

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