/kayd"ns/ , n. , v. , cadenced, cadencing . n. Also, cadency .
1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words: the cadence of language.
2. (in free verse) a rhythmic pattern that is nonmetrically structured.
3. the beat, rate, or measure of any rhythmic movement: The chorus line danced in rapid cadence.
4. the flow or rhythm of events, esp. the pattern in which something is experienced: the frenetic cadence of modern life.
5. a slight falling in pitch of the voice in speaking or reading, as at the end of a declarative sentence.
6. the general modulation of the voice.
7. Music. a sequence of notes or chords that indicates the momentary or complete end of a composition, section, phrase, etc.
v.t.
8. to make rhythmical.
[ 1350-1400; ME cadenza; see CADENZA ]
Syn. 3. tempo, pulse, rhythm, meter.