Sestina
/sɛsˈtiːnə/noun
A complex form of poetry consisting of six stanzas of six lines each, followed by a three-line envoi.
Did you know?The sestina's intricate structure is believed to mirror the Fibonacci sequence, connecting poetry with the divine order of the universe.
Etymological Timeline
Old Provençal
Provençal
sestina
“A poetic form characterized by the repetition of end-words in a specific pattern.”
Middle Ages
Latin
sex
“The number six, representing completion and the cycle of life.”
14th Century
Italian
sestina
“Adoption of the term into Italian poetry as a complex structured verse.”
Modern English
English
sestina
“The word arrives in English, retaining its association with structured poetry.”