Heptameter

/ˌhɛptəˈmiːtɚ/ noun

Definition

A line of verse or poetry that contains seven metrical feet.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepta' (seven) + 'metron' (measure). Follows the naming pattern of other poetic meters like pentameter (five feet) and hexameter (six feet).

Kelly Says

Heptameter is extremely rare in English poetry—most poems use pentameter or iambic tetrameter—which makes any poem written in seven feet feel exotic and unusual, almost like reading poetry in an unfamiliar rhythm.

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