Elegiambic

/ˌɛl.ɪdʒiˈæm.bɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a metrical form combining elegiac and iambic verse patterns, used especially in classical Latin poetry.

Etymology

From elegia (elegy) + iambic (from iambus, Greek for a metrical foot of short-long syllables). This is a technical term combining two classical poetic meters into a hybrid form.

Kelly Says

This is the kind of word that makes English literature teachers smile—it's a hyper-specific term for mixing two ancient Greek and Latin verse styles, showing how obsessive classical poets were about precise rhythms.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.