proceleusmatic

1 of 2

noun

pro·ce·leus·mat·ic

ˌprōsə̇ˌlüzˈmatik,

-üˈsm-

plural -s

: a metrical foot used especially in ancient quantitative verse and consisting of four short syllables

proceleusmatic

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or marked by the use of proceleusmatics

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Late Latin proceleusmaticus, from Greek prokeleusmatikos, adjective & noun, from (assumed) prokeleusmat-, prokeleusma incitement (from prokeleuein to urge on, give orders to, from pro- pro- entry 1 + keleuein to urge, drive on, command) + -ikos -ic; probably from the use of proceleusmatics in ancient Greek rowing songs; akin to Greek kellein to beach a ship

Adjective

Greek prokeleusmatikos

Cite this Entry

Style

“Proceleusmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proceleusmatic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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