noun
dactyl
Dactyl (noun) means a metrical foot of three syllables of the shape | – ⏖ |.
noun
1
A metrical foot of three syllables of the shape | – ⏖ |
2
A metrical foot of three syllables of the shape | – ⏖ |:
3
In qualitative metre, a foot with a stressed first syllable followed by two unstressed syllables.
4
In quantitative metre, a foot with a long first syllable followed by two short syllables.
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Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin dactylus, from Ancient Greek δάκτυλος (dáktulos, “finger”), from the three bones of the finger corresponding to three syllables. Doublet of dactylus, date, and (possibly) digit.
Rhymes for dactyl
See all rhymes for dactyl →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of dactyl?
"dactyl" (noun) means a metrical foot of three syllables of the shape | – ⏖ |.
What are the different meanings of dactyl?
"dactyl" has 3 main meanings: 1. A metrical foot of three syllables of the shape | – ⏖ |; 2. A metrical foot of three syllables of the shape | – ⏖ |:; 3. In qualitative metre, a foot with a stressed first syllable followed by two unstressed syllables.