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metrical
adjective
met·ri·cal
ˈme-tri-kəl
variants
or metric
1
: of, relating to, or composed in meter
2
: of or relating to measurement
Examples of metrical in a Sentence
the metrical chugging of the machinery had a hypnotic effect
Recent Examples on the Web
This reflects the plain and unadorned style of prose writing, contrasting with the rhythmic and metrical structure of verse.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Since it was usually written in the form of a memorable metrical couplet, the epigram became portable through time as well as space.
—
A.e. Stallings, The New York Review of Books, 17 Aug. 2023
The show ended in the exact right place and, to me, at the exact right time, before these spineless creatures and their metrical reflections and rejoinders became more self-parodic than intended.
—
Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 29 May 2023
Old English poetry takes its shape from its metrical patterns and the alliteration of stressed syllables.
—
Irina Dumitrescu, The New York Review of Books, 17 Nov. 2020
Except for that last line, which is a metrical mess.
—
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 7 Dec. 2022
Somewhere in the unconscious of the song, beneath the metrical grid, the band has located a deep, deep shuffle-like vibration: extremely heavy.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2022
The medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight relates this eerily playful tale in 2,530 lines of alliterative verse, a springy and musical metrical form, relishing the gory details.
—
Jordan Michael Smith, The New Republic, 12 Aug. 2021
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Word History
Etymology
metrical going back to Middle English metricalle, from Latin metricus "relating to or composed in meter" + Middle English -alle -al entry 1; metric borrowed from Latin metricus "relating to or composed in meter, rhythmic (of the pulse)," borrowed from Greek metrikós "by measurement, relating to meter in verse," from métron "measure, space measure, poetic meter" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at meter entry 1
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of metrical was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near metrical
Cite this Entry
“Metrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metrical. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
metrical
adjective
met·ri·cal
-tri-kəl
: of, relating to, or subject to measurement
metrical genetic traits
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