mora

In linguistics, this term describes a unit of timing rather than a full syllable. While a syllable can contain one or more morae, the mora specifically tracks the weight of the vowel and any following coda consonant, which is crucial for understanding the rhythmic structure of languages like Japanese.

In a legal context, the term is derived from Latin and refers specifically to a culpable delay. It is used primarily in civil law jurisdictions to describe the state of a debtor who is in default, distinguishing a simple delay from a legally actionable failure to perform an obligation.