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arsis

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noun ar·sis \ˈär-səs\

Definition of arsis

plural

arses

play \-ˌsēz\

  1. 1a :  the lighter or shorter part of a poetic foot especially in quantitative verseb :  the accented or longer part of a poetic foot especially in accentual verse

  2. 2 :  the unaccented part of a musical measure — compare thesis

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Origin and Etymology of arsis

Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, raising of the voice, accented part of foot, from Greek, upbeat, less important part of foot, literally, act of lifting, from aeirein, airein to lift

Learn More about arsis

  1. See words that rhyme with arsis Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arsis

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