amoebaean

or am·oe·be·an

[ am-uh-bee-uhn ]

adjective

, Prosody.

1. alternately responsive, as verses in dialogue.

amoebaean

/ ˌæmɪˈbiːən /

adjective

1. prosody of or relating to lines of verse dialogue that answer each other alternately

Word History and Origins

Origin of amoebaean¹

1650–60; < Latin amoebae ( us ) antiphonal (< Greek amoibaîos interchanging, equivalent to amoib ( ḗ ) alternation ( ameba ) + -aios adj. suffix) + -an

Example Sentences

The rapid elliptic method of amoebaean dialogue is more in his manner than in any English poet's known to me except the writer of this scene; but indeed Marston is in more points than one the most Italian of our dramatists.

From Project Gutenberg

This kind of Amoebaean dialogue was early ridiculed by the ingenious author of "Hudibras."

From Project Gutenberg

She would have sketches of scenes between Delphica and M. Falarique, with whom the young Germania was cleverly ingenuous indeed—a seminary Celimene; and between Delphica and M. Mytharete, with whom she was archaeological, ravishingly amoebaean of Homer.

From Project Gutenberg

She would have sketches of scenes between Delphica and M. Falarique, with whom the young Germania was cleverly ingenuous indeed—a seminary Celimene; and between Delphica and M. Mytharete, with whom she was archaeological, ravishingly amoebaean of Homer.

From Project Gutenberg

Between the lines of these mutual recitals sweet, fresh echoes of the old, old story went from heart to heart, an amoebaean love-bout like that of spring birds calling tenderly back and forth in the blooming Maytime woods.

From Project Gutenberg