choriambus

noun

cho·​ri·​am·​bus
ˌkōrēˈambəs
plural choriambuses
-bəsə̇z
or choriambi
-ˌbī
: a foot of four syllables in classical prosody in which the cadence of the trochee is followed by that of the iambus ( – ˘ ˘ – ) the corresponding pattern of cadence in accentual prosody (ó o o ó) consisting of the combination of trochee and iambus in succession

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near choriambus

Cite this Entry

“Choriambus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choriambus. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!