metrical

[me-tri-kuhl]

adjective

1. pertaining to meter or poetic measure.

2. composed in meter or verse.

3. pertaining to measurement.

metrical

/ ˈmɛtrɪkəl, ˈmɛtrɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to measurement

2. of or in poetic metre

Other Word Forms

• metrically adverb
• metricism noun
• metricity noun
• nonmetrical adjective
• nonmetrically adverb
• unmetrical adjective
• unmetrically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of metrical¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin metric ( us ) ( metric ² ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The piano soloist works out asymmetrical accents from interlocking metrical units while also maintaining composure in scales and running 16th notes.

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Verdi worked with inspired diligence to shape his musical lines to metrical rhythms subtly different from Italian.

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Following the haiku are some poems in other metrical formats.

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“Literally, every single one of the 39 respective notes of ‘7 Rings’ is identical with the 39 notes of ‘I Got It’ from a metrical placement perspective,” claims the suit.

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Here, in Globish—with plus signs indicating missing words that Terry apparently doesn’t want to guess at and vertical lines demarcating metrical units—are the trapper’s instructions to Shamhat for seducing Enkidu:

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