iamb
/ˈaɪæm/
noun
- A unit of rhythm in poetry consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable (e.g., 'be-LOW').
- The word 'about' is a perfect example of an iamb.
- Shakespeare often wrote in iambs, creating a natural, heartbeat-like rhythm.
- In poetry class, we learned to identify an iamb by listening for the weak-strong pattern.