proceleusmatic

1 of 2

noun

pro·​ce·​leus·​mat·​ic

ˌprōsə̇ˌlüzˈmatik,

-üˈsm-

plural -s

: a metrical foot used especially in ancient quantitative verse and consisting of four short syllables

proceleusmatic

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or marked by the use of proceleusmatics

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Late Latin proceleusmaticus, from Greek prokeleusmatikos, adjective & noun, from (assumed) prokeleusmat-, prokeleusma incitement (from prokeleuein to urge on, give orders to, from pro- pro- entry 1 + keleuein to urge, drive on, command) + -ikos -ic; probably from the use of proceleusmatics in ancient Greek rowing songs; akin to Greek kellein to beach a ship

Adjective

Greek prokeleusmatikos

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!