Dictionary
iamb
noun \ˈī-ˌam(b)\
: a unit of rhythm in poetry that consists of one syllable that is not accented or stressed followed by one syllable that is accented or stressed (as in the words away or above )
plural iambs \ˈī-ˌamz\ or iam·bus·es
Full Definition of IAMB
: a metrical foot consisting of one short syllable followed by one long syllable or of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable (as in above)
— iam·bic \ī-ˈam-bik\ adjective or noun
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Variants of IAMB
iamb or iam·bus \ī-ˈam-bəs\
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Origin of IAMB
Latin iambus, from Greek iambos
First Known Use: 1586
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