Which term describes the structure of poetry that contains distinct rhythmic patterns?

The term that best describes the structure of poetry containing distinct rhythmic patterns is "metric." Metrics refer specifically to the structured patterns of rhythm in poetry, which are created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables. These patterns form the underlying beat that gives a poem its musical quality and can vary widely, contributing to the flow and emotional effect of the work.

While "stanza" refers to a grouped set of lines in a poem, it does not inherently include rhythmic patterns. "Verse" is a broader term that can refer to any section of poetry, but it does not specifically denote the rhythmic structure. "Rhyme scheme" deals with the pattern of rhymes at the end of lines but does not address the rhythmic patterns of syllables within the lines themselves. Thus, "metric" is the most accurate term in relation to the defined rhythmic structures within poetry.