noun. the absence of a syllable in the last foot of a line or verse.
1. The first line of the poem contains catalexis, leaving the final syllable unstressed. 2. The third stanza features catalexis in every other line, creating a rhythmic pattern throughout the poem.
1. "A line of catalexis is like a break in the rhythm of a song." Taylor Swift, "The Poetics of Songwriting" 2. "The use of catalexis is a common feature in Shakespearean sonnets." Stephen Fry, "The Ode Less Travelled"
