Pronunciation: /ˈdæk.tɪl/
noun a metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables, as in 'poetry'
A1 A dactyl is a type of metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables.
A2 In poetry, a dactyl is a unit of rhythm that consists of a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables.
B1 The word 'poetry' is an example of a dactyl, with the stress on the first syllable.
B2 When analyzing the meter of a poem, it is important to identify dactyls and other metrical feet.
C1 The dactyl is a common metrical foot in classical poetry, often used in epic and dramatic works.
C2 Experienced poets can skillfully manipulate dactyls to create complex and engaging rhythms in their verses.
adjective relating to or consisting of dactyls
A1 A dactyl pattern is a type of rhythm in poetry.
A2 The dactyl shape of the leaf made it easy to identify.
B1 The dactyl footprint found at the crime scene matched the suspect's shoe.
B2 The dactyl composition of the music gave it a unique and lively feel.
C1 The dactyl structure of the molecule was analyzed in detail by the researchers.
C2 The dactyl characteristics of the language made it a challenge to translate accurately.
formal The dactyl is a metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables.
informal I learned about the dactyl in my poetry class - it's like a stressed, unstressed, unstressed rhythm.
slang I can't get the hang of writing dactyls in my poems, it's so tricky!
figurative Her fingers moved like dactyls across the piano keys, creating a beautiful melody.
dactyls
more dactyl
most dactyl
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will dactyl
has dactyled
is dactyling
dactyl
very dactyl
to dactyl
dactyling
dactyled