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Showing results for trimeter. Search instead for tribometer.

trimeter

American  
[trim-i-ter] / ˈtrɪm ɪ tər /

noun

  1. a verse of three measures or feet.


adjective

  1. consisting of three measures or feet.

  2. Classical Prosody. composed of six feet or three dipodies.

trimeter British  
/ ˈtrɪmɪtə /

noun

  1. a verse line consisting of three metrical feet

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. designating such a line

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of trimeter

1560–70; < Latin trimetrus having three measures < Greek trímetros. See tri-, meter 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

But Wiman’s deceptively retrograde rhyme scheme conspires to move the reader to a conclusion that’s all the more harrowing for being set in sing-song trimeter.

From Slate Dec. 6, 2016

Clare has added an extra beat to the usual trimeter of the "b" line, allowing himself a little more space for observation.

From The Guardian Oct. 29, 2012

Each eight-line stanza has two foreshortened trimeter lines, after which the basic tetrameter rhythm is restored.

From The Guardian Dec. 20, 2010

The tempo increases again in the last four lines, where the pace of the iambic trimeter suggests that danger is now imminent.

From The Guardian Oct. 11, 2010

“But iambic trimeter is fairly common in Greek lyric, isn’t it?” said Julian.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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