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catalexis

noun
cat·​a·​lex·​is | \ ˌka-tə-ˈlek-səs How to pronounce catalexis (audio) \
plural catalexes\ ˌka-​tə-​ˈlek-​ˌsēz How to pronounce catalexes (audio) \

Definition of catalexis

: omission or incompleteness usually in the last foot of a line in metrical verse

First Known Use of catalexis

1830, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for catalexis

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

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The first known use of catalexis was in 1830

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More from Merriam-Webster on catalexis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catalexis

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