The term IT MAY BE MEASURED BY A METER can be summarized by the crossword solution POEM, which is a four letter word. A POEM is a type of literary work that uses rhythm, imagery, and other poetic devices to express emotions or tell a story. Poems often use meter, which is a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, to create a rhythmic effect. Meter is usually measured in feet, and each foot contains a certain number of syllables.