rhythm
UK: ˈrɪðəm | US: ˈrɪðəm
n. a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound
n. (music) the systematic arrangement of musical sounds, principally according to duration and periodic stress
n. (poetry) a patterned recurrence of specific language features, such as stress or syllable length
The word "rhythm" originates from the Greek rhythmos, meaning "measured flow or movement," derived from rhein ("to flow"). It entered Middle English via Old French rythme and Latin rhythmus. The spelling evolved to include the silent "h" to reflect its Greek roots. The concept of rhythm as a structured flow persists across its musical, poetic, and general usage.
The drummer kept a steady rhythm throughout the song.
She has a natural sense of rhythm when dancing.
The poem’s rhythm mimics the sound of waves.
His speech lacked rhythm, making it hard to follow.
The rhythm of the train wheels lulled her to sleep.