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Water meter

Meter
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A metrical pattern structured to evoke flowing or liquid sensation

Detailed Definition
Water meter is a metrical pattern—often anapestic or dactylic—that creates a rolling, wave-like rhythm suggestive of flowing or falling water; used in narrative or lyrical verse, it enhances thematic immersion in aquatic settings or emotional currents through its liquid, propulsive cadence.
Example
Example in poetry:
A sonnet written in iambic pentameter that mimics the ebb and flow of tides; A villanelle whose repeated lines surge like waves; A sestina structured to mirror the cyclical motion of ocean currents; A haiku using 5-7-5 syllables to echo raindrop rhythms
Additional Notes
Water meter: A metrical pattern whose rhythmic flow or measure is consciously designed to suggest the movement, sound, or nature of water; often characterized by a quick, variable, or fluid pace.
Also Known As
Liquid meter Water rhythm Flowing beat Aqueous meter
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