short meter

noun

1
or less commonly short measure : a quatrain of which the first, second, and fourth lines are in iambic trimeter and the third in iambic tetrameter : a poulter's measure written as a quatrain
abbreviation S.M.
2
a
: quick work
make short meter of the job
b
: a short time
finished the job in short meter

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near short meter

Cite this Entry

“Short meter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20meter. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!