noun
foot
A group of syllables forming a unit of rhythm in poetry.
The poet uses a two-syllable foot throughout the verse.
Etymology
The English word descends from Old English fot, “foot.” Its metrical meaning translates Greek usage, treating a recurring syllable group as a step in verse.
More examples
- Each line contains four feet.
- We marked the stressed syllable in every foot.
- The final foot breaks the usual rhythm.
Forms
foot · feet