Tetrameter

Definition

A line of verse consisting of four metrical feet, with the rhythm and stress pattern determined by the meter type (iambic, trochaic, anapestic, or dactylic). It's one of the most common line lengths in English poetry.

Example Usage

The nursery rhyme 'Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall' is written in iambic tetrameter.

Origin

From Greek tetrametros (having four measures), from tetra (four) + metron (measure).

Fun Fact

Tetrameter has been used for thousands of years, from ancient Greek drama to modern rock lyrics, making it one of poetry's most enduring rhythmic patterns.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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