proceleusmatic

[pros-uh-loos-mat-ik, proh-suh-]

adjective

1. inciting, animating, or inspiring.

2. Prosody.

   1. noting a metrical foot of four short syllables.

   2. pertaining to or consisting of feet of this kind.

noun

1. Prosody.,  a proceleusmatic foot.

proceleusmatic

/ ˌprɒsɪluːsˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. denoting or consisting of a metrical foot of four short syllables

noun

1. a proceleusmatic metrical foot

Word History and Origins

Origin of proceleusmatic¹

First recorded in 1700–10; from Late Latin proceleusmaticus, from Greek prokeleusmatikós the name of the metrical foot, equivalent to pro- pro- ² + keleusmat- (stem of kéleusma “summons,” derivative of keleúein “to rouse to action, command”) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of proceleusmatic¹

C18: from Late Latin proceleusmaticus, from Greek prokeleusmatikos, from prokeleuein to drive on, from _pro- ² + keleuein to give orders

Example Sentences

Proceleusmatic, pros-e-lūs-mat′ik, adj. inciting, encouraging.—n. in ancient prosody, a foot consisting of four short syllables.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

The proceleusmatic foot, or four short syllables, instead of the dactyl; scen. i. v.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Dr Johnson discovered in it the proceleusmatic song of the ancients; it certainly corresponds in real usage with the poet's description:— "Stat margine puppis, Qui voce alternos nautarum temperet ictus, Et remis dictet sonitum pariterque relatis, Ad numerum plaudet resonantia cærula tonsis."

Read more on Project Gutenberg

In the Latin comic writers, Plautus and Terence, great freedom is permitted, and the various equivalents of the Iambus, viz. the Dactyl, Anapaest, Spondee, Tribrach, Proceleusmatic, are freely admitted in any foot except the last.

Read more on Project Gutenberg