Choriambus

/ˌkɔːriˈæmbəs/ noun

Definition

A metrical foot with four syllables in the pattern long-short-short-long (⎯ ∪ ∪ ⎯), used in classical poetry.

Etymology

From Greek 'choriambos,' combining 'choreus' (a two-syllable foot) and 'iambus' (a two-syllable foot). Ancient prosodists named it for combining these two foot types.

Kelly Says

The choriambus is like the 'sweetspot' rhythm—it combines two opposite energies (the heavy choreus and the light iamb), creating an interesting bouncy-then-solid feeling.

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