What is an Acatalectic?

Acatalectic refers to a complete metric line of verse that contains the full number of syllables required by the particular poetic form being used, without any omitted or added syllables at the end. This term can be particularly useful when discussing scansion and meter, as it describes a perfectly balanced line of poetry. Throughout the history of English poetry, acatalectic lines have been used in a variety of forms and styles, from sonnets to epic poems to free verse. Writers who are interested in the technical aspects of poetry often focus on creating acatalectic lines to show their mastery of form, while those who prefer more free-form styles may choose to use catalectic or hypercatalectic line endings to create more rhythmic variation and interest.