1. lacking a syllable at the end of a line of verse
Usage: poetry; prosody

Examples

• The poem’s catalectic lines created an abrupt, choppy rhythm.
• Shakespeare occasionally used catalectic meter for dramatic effect.
• The catalectic verse ended one syllable short of the expected pattern.
• Students struggled to identify the catalectic lines in the sonnet.
• The poet’s use of catalectic meter emphasized the poem’s melancholy tone.