anapest
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an·a·pest

noun \ˈa-nə-ˌpest\

Definition of ANAPEST

: a metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by one long syllable or of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable (as unaware)
an·a·pes·tic \ˌa-nə-ˈpes-tik\ adjective or noun

Origin of ANAPEST

Latin anapaestus, from Greek anapaistos, literally, struck back (a dactyl reversed), from ana- + -paistos, verbal of paiein to strike
First Known Use: circa 1678

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