Definition

A type of poetic meter that has a specific rhythm, typically featuring a limping pattern with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one, often used in certain forms of verse.

Example

The poet chose to write in choliamb to give his work a unique rhythm.

Conversation

I was reading about different types of poetry and came across something called a choliamb.

Oh, I haven't heard of that one before! What is it exactly?

It's a type of verse that has a specific rhythm, with an iambus in the fifth place.

That sounds interesting! I love learning about different poetic forms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Choliamb is derived from the Greek "choliambos" (χολοἴαμβος), which is a compound of "cholos" (χόλος, meaning lame or halting) and "iambos" (ἰάμβος, meaning iambic meter). The term refers to a type of verse that is characterized by a halting or lame rhythm, often used in a satirical context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lame' ('cholos') to remember that 'choliamb' refers to a verse with a halting rhythm.

Visually Confused Words