What is the name for a pair of rhymed lines in poetry?

A pair of rhymed lines in poetry is referred to as a couplet. This term specifically describes a two-line stanza where the end words of both lines rhyme with each other, creating a complete thought or idea. Couplet structures are commonly found in various poetic forms, enhancing rhythm and musicality while often conveying a particular emotion or message effectively.

The other terms provided have distinct meanings. A dénouement is the final resolution or clarification of a story's plot, typically found in narratives rather than poetry. A contraction is a grammatical term that refers to the shortening of a word or phrase by omitting certain letters or sounds. Anaphora, on the other hand, is a rhetorical device where the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive lines or clauses, which, while impactful in poetry, does not define a specific structural element like a couplet does. Thus, couplet is the only appropriate term for this specific pairing of rhymed lines in poetry.