What is the term that describes the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in verse?

The term that describes the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in verse is "meter." Meter is the structured rhythm of a poem, which consists of a specific arrangement of syllable emphasis that defines the overall tempo and flow of the lines. It is often identified by measuring the length and patterns of these syllables, such as iambic pentameter or trochaic tetrameter.

Understanding meter is crucial for analyzing poetry because it affects how a poem sounds when read aloud and can enhance the meaning and emotional effect of the text. While rhythm does relate to the broader concept of flow in poetry, it encompasses more than just the specific patterns of stress; it includes factors like tempo and pace, which are not strictly related to syllable emphasis alone. The terms "pacing" and "cadence" also pertain to how poetry moves, but they do not specifically capture the formalized structure of stressed and unstressed syllables, making meter the most precise and accurate term in this context.