catalexis

noun

cat·​a·​lex·​is ˌka-tə-ˈlek-səs How to pronounce catalexis (audio)
plural catalexes ˌka-tə-ˈlek-ˌsēz How to pronounce catalexis (audio)
: omission or incompleteness usually in the last foot of a line in metrical verse

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek katalēxis close, cadence, from katalēgein

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalexis was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near catalexis

Cite this Entry

“Catalexis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalexis. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

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