What structure does tetrameter refer to in poetry?

Tetrameter refers to a poetic structure that contains four beats or metrical feet per line. This means that in each line of poetry, there are four distinct rhythmic units that contribute to the overall rhythm and flow of the poem. Each metrical foot can vary, and common forms of tetrameter include iambic tetrameter (which consists of four iambs per line, where each iamb is a two-syllable unit with the first syllable unstressed and the second syllable stressed) or trochaic tetrameter (which uses four trochees per line, where each trochee has a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one). The consistent use of four beats creates a rhythm that can enhance the musical quality and structure of the poem, contributing to its meaning and overall aesthetic. Understanding tetrameter is essential for analyzing poetry, as it helps readers appreciate the nuances of rhythm and meter within the work.