hexameter

The term 'hexameter' is a direct compound from Greek, combining 'hex' (six) and 'metron' (measure). It was adopted into Latin as 'hexameter' before entering English, primarily as a technical term in classical prosody. The word's logic is perfectly literal, denoting a poetic line measured out in six units. This structure, most famously used in the epic poetry of Homer and Virgil, became the standard meter for narrative verse in the classical tradition.

Structure: hexa (six) + meter (measure) - hexa: From Greek, meaning 'six'. A numerical prefix. - meter: From Greek metron, meaning 'measure'. A noun-forming element indicating a system of measurement.