1. study of poetic structure: the study of the structure of poetry and the conventions or techniques involved in writing it, including rhyme, meter, and the patterns of verse forms
2. system or theory of writing verse: a particular system or theory of writing poetry
3. rhythm of speech: the rhythm of spoken language, including stress and intonation, or the study of these patterns
[15th century. Via Latin< Greek prosōidia "song with an instrumental accompaniment" < pros "in addition to" + ōidē "song"]
