Which term refers to the repetition of vowel sounds within closely connected words?

The term that refers to the repetition of vowel sounds within closely connected words is assonance. This literary device involves the use of similar vowel sounds in a sequence of words, creating internal rhyming and contributing to the musical quality of language. Assonance can enhance the rhythm and mood of poetry and prose, making phrases more melodic and engaging.

For instance, in the phrase "the cat sat back," the repetition of the short 'a' sound in "cat," "sat," and "back" exemplifies assonance. This effect stands in contrast to other literary devices such as alliteration, which involves the repetition of consonant sounds, and rhyme, which typically refers to the correspondence of sounds at the ends of words. Consonance, while also related to consonant sounds, does not specifically focus on the vowel sounds that are being highlighted. Understanding assonance enriches a reader's appreciation of rhythm in language and its overall impact on written work.