Hendecasyllabic

/ˌhɛndɛkəsɪˈlæbɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to verse or lines of poetry that contain exactly eleven syllables.

Etymology

From Greek 'hendeca-' (eleven) plus 'syllabic' (from 'syllabe' meaning syllable). The term describes a specific poetic meter used extensively in Italian and other Romance languages.

Kelly Says

Italian poets adore the hendecasyllable (11-syllable line)—Dante and Petrarch used it constantly—but English poetry rarely uses it, showing how language and literary tradition shape what feels natural.

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