cretic
/ˈkriːtɪk/
noun
- A metrical foot in poetry consisting of one long syllable, then one short syllable, then one long syllable (— ◡ —).
- The poet used a cretic to create a dramatic pause in the line.
- In ancient Greek poetry, the cretic was often used in choral odes.
- Learning to identify a cretic helps students scan classical verse.
Synonyms