syllaba anceps

noun

syl·​la·​ba an·​ceps

ˌsiləbəˈäŋˌkeps,

-aŋˌke-,

-anˌse-

: a syllable occurring at the end of a sentence or verse in a metrical scheme whose short or long quantity is obscured by the terminal pause

specifically : such a syllable occurring in the rhythms of ancient verse wherever there is a diaeresis or serving as a terminal demarcation at the end of a verse or between asynartetic cola

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, doubtful syllable

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