Iambic Pentameter
ta = unaccented syllable
TUM = accented syllable

In poetry, a foot is a single set of syllables that forms a metrical pattern.
An iambic foot is two syllables with the accent on the second syllable.

example:

saute

(ta TUM)

Pentameter is a line consisting of five feet, that is, 10 syllables per line.
Iambic pentameter would be a line of five iambic feet.

example:

the throttle stuck in gear and rattled noise

for all to hear -- the grinding ceased with time

(ta Tum ta TUM ta TUM ta TUM ta TUM)