What is the defining characteristic of a "trochee"?

A trochee is defined as a metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable. This means that in the case of a trochee, the emphasis is placed on the first syllable, creating a specific rhythm that distinguishes it from other metrical feet, such as the iamb, which features an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This characteristic of having the stressed syllable first allows for a strong rhythmic pattern that can drive the pace and energy of a poem. Understanding the structure of a trochee is essential in analyzing poetry, as it helps to identify how the rhythm contributes to the overall meaning and emotional impact of the work.