ˌsiləbəˈäŋˌkeps, -aŋˌke-, -anˌse- noun
Etymology: Latin, literally, doubtful syllable
: a syllable occurring at the end of a sentence or verse in a metrical scheme whose short or long quantity is obscured by the terminal pause ; specifically : such a syllable occurring in the rhythms of ancient verse wherever there is a diaeresis or serving as a terminal demarcation at the end of a verse or between asynartetic cola