distemper

/dɪsˈtɛmpə(ɹ)/noun
High School
1

A viral disease of animals, such as dogs and cats, characterised by fever, coughing and catarrh.

2

A disorder of the humours of the body; a disease.

3

A glue-based paint.

4

A painting produced with this kind of paint.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing

#archaic