Catalectic verse: Poetry in which one or more lines are "catalectic," meaning they are deficient in syllables or metrically incomplete. A catalectic line is typically missing its final metrical foot, resulting in a truncated, falling rhythm that can create a sense of finality, abruptness, or unresolved tension. For example, a line of iambic pentameter that ends on a stressed syllable instead of a full iambic foot would be considered catalectic. This is a common metrical variation in English poetry and is often used deliberately by poets to modulate rhythm and emphasize certain words or ideas. It is the opposite of "acatalectic" verse, where the lines are complete and full according to their metrical pattern. The use of catalectic lines demonstrates the flexibility of accentual-syllabic verse, allowing poets to deviate from strict regularity to achieve specific sonic and rhythmic effects.

Catalectic verse: A metrical line missing one or more syllables at the end; creates rhythmic variation or abruptness—common in trochaic or dactylic meters (e.g., “Tyger Tyger” by Blake uses catalectic trochees).