Definition of choriambus in English:
choriambus
nounPlural choriambiˌkɒrɪˈambəsˌkɔriˈæmbəs
A metrical foot consisting of two short (or unstressed) syllables between two long (or stressed) ones.
Example sentencesExamples
- Each pàda may be divided into three feet, the second always consisting of a choriambus, and the third of two iambics; while the first foot in the first pàda consists of a pyrrhic, in the second pàda of an anap æ st.
- In poetry, Choriambi are never used alone, but always combined with other metrical 'feet' such as spondees, trochees and dactyls.
- Occasionally the term choriambus is used of English verses - a foot made up of two light syllables between two stressed ones.
Origin
Late 18th century: via late Latin from Greek khoriambos, from khoreios 'of the dance' + iambos (see iambus).
Definition of choriambus in US English:
choriambus
(also choriamb)
nounˌkôrēˈambəsˌkɔriˈæmbəs
A metrical foot consisting of two short (or unstressed) syllables between two long (or stressed) ones.
Example sentencesExamples
- Each pàda may be divided into three feet, the second always consisting of a choriambus, and the third of two iambics; while the first foot in the first pàda consists of a pyrrhic, in the second pàda of an anap æ st.
- Occasionally the term choriambus is used of English verses - a foot made up of two light syllables between two stressed ones.
- In poetry, Choriambi are never used alone, but always combined with other metrical 'feet' such as spondees, trochees and dactyls.
Origin
Late 18th century: via late Latin from Greek khoriambos, from khoreios ‘of the dance’ + iambos (see iambus).