What is the definition of 'rime' in the context of syllables?

The correct choice accurately reflects the definition of 'rime' in the context of syllables, which refers to the vowel sound and any consonants that follow it within a syllable. For example, in the word "cat," the rime consists of the vowel 'a' and the consonant 't,' making it "at." This component is crucial in phonetics and reading instruction, as recognizing rime can help in identifying rhyming patterns and improving decoding skills.

The other options do not define 'rime' appropriately: the initial sound before a vowel pertains to an onset rather than a rime; a rule for syllable division does not accurately describe a rime; and a type of compound word is unrelated, as rime pertains to syllable structure rather than word formation. Understanding rime can aid in phonological awareness, which is essential in literacy development.