iambic Meaning, Definition & Usage

I*am"bic adjective

Etymology

L. iambicus, Gr. : cf. F. iambique.

Definitions

1. (Pros.) Consisting of a short syllable followed by a long one, or of an unaccented syllable followed by an accented; as, an iambic foot.
2. Pertaining to, or composed of, iambics; as, an iambic verse; iambic meter. See Lambus.

I*am"bic noun

Definitions

1. (Pros.) (a) An iambic foot; an iambus. (b) A verse composed of iambic feet. ✍ The following couplet consists of iambic verses.

   Thy gen- | ius calls | thee not | to pur- | chase fame In keen | iam- | bics, but | mild an- | agram. Dryden.

2. A satirical poem (such poems having been anciently written in iambic verse); a satire; a lampoon.