PYRRHIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does pyrrhic mean? 

• PYRRHIC (noun)
  The noun PYRRHIC has 2 senses:

1. a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables

2. an ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare

  Familiarity information: PYRRHIC used as a noun is rare.

• PYRRHIC (adjective)
  The adjective PYRRHIC has 3 senses:

1. of or relating to a war dance of ancient Greece

2. of or relating to or containing a metrical foot of two unstressed syllables

3. of or relating to or resembling Pyrrhus or his exploits (especially his sustaining staggering losses in order to defeat the Romans)

  Familiarity information: PYRRHIC used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PYRRHIC (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

dibrach; pyrrhic

Hypernyms ("pyrrhic" is a kind of...):

foot; metrical foot; metrical unit ((prosody) a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm)

Derivation:

pyrrhic (of or relating to or containing a metrical foot of two unstressed syllables)

Sense 2

Meaning:

An ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("pyrrhic" is a kind of...):

ceremonial dance; ritual dance; ritual dancing (a dance that is part of a religious ritual)

Derivation:

pyrrhic (of or relating to a war dance of ancient Greece)

• PYRRHIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to a war dance of ancient Greece

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

pyrrhic dance movements

Pertainym:

pyrrhic (an ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare)

Derivation:

pyrrhic (an ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Of or relating to or containing a metrical foot of two unstressed syllables

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

pyrrhic verses

Pertainym:

pyrrhic (a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables)

Derivation:

pyrrhic (a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Of or relating to or resembling Pyrrhus or his exploits (especially his sustaining staggering losses in order to defeat the Romans)

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

a Pyrrhic victory

Pertainym:

Pyrrhus (king of Epirus; defeated the Romans in two battles in spite of staggering losses (319-272 BC))

Derivation:

Pyrrhus (king of Epirus; defeated the Romans in two battles in spite of staggering losses (319-272 BC))