catalectic

adjective

cat·a·lec·tic ˌka-tə-ˈlek-tik

: lacking a syllable at the end of a line in metrical verse or ending in an incomplete foot

catalectic noun

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin catalecticus, from Greek katalēktikos, from katalēgein to leave off, from kata- + lēgein to stop — more at slack

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of catalectic was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Catalectic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/catalectic. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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