Rhythm

(rĭthm, or rĭthm) (Synop., § 130), n. [Gr. ῥυθμός, Lat. rhythmus, Fr. rhythme, It. & Sp. ritmo.]

1. In the widest sense, a dividing of time into short portions by a regular succession of motions, impulses, sounds, &c., producing an agreeable effect, as in music, the dance, or the like.
2. (Mus.) Movement in musical time, or the periodical recurrence of accent; the measured beat which marks the character and expression of the music. Moore.
3. A division of lines into short portions by a regular succession of arses and theses, or percussions and remissions of voice on words or syllables.
4. The harmonious flow of vocal sounds.