Iamb
A kind of metrical foot. An iamb (the
adjective is "iambic") is an unstressed syllable followed by a
stressed one.
They álso sérve who ónly stánd and
wáit.
Because each foot consists of two syllables, the iambic is known
as a duple meter. The other most
common duple meter is trochaic. Note
that you can distinguish iambic from trochaic meter only by
examining the first and last feet in a verse, since they both
alternate stressed and unstressed syllables.
From the Guide to Literary Terms by Jack Lynch.
Please send comments to Jack Lynch.
Note: This guide is still in the early stages of development.
Three question marks mean I have to write more on the subject. Bear with me.