anapest

noun

an·​a·​pest ˈa-nə-ˌpest How to pronounce anapest (audio)
: a metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by one long syllable or of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable (such as unaware)
anapestic
ˌa-nə-ˈpe-stik How to pronounce anapest (audio)
adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

Latin anapaestus, from Greek anapaistos, literally, struck back (a dactyl reversed), from ana- + -paistos, verbal of paiein to strike

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anapest was in 1596

Dictionary Entries Near anapest

anapaite

anapest

Anaphalis

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Cite this Entry

“Anapest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anapest. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

anapest

noun
an·​a·​pest ˈan-ə-ˌpest How to pronounce anapest (audio)
: a metrical foot consisting of two unaccented syllables followed by one accented syllable (as in the accused)
anapestic
ˌan-ə-ˈpes-tik How to pronounce anapest (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on anapest

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anapest

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