What does the term 'rhyme scheme' refer to in poetry?

The term 'rhyme scheme' specifically refers to the pattern of rhyming words in a poem. It is identified by the arrangement of sounds in the final words of each line, which can create a musical quality or rhythm in the poem. This pattern is often denoted using letters to represent different sounds; for example, lines that end with the same sound are assigned the same letter. Recognizing the rhyme scheme helps readers appreciate the structure and musicality of the poem, as well as the connections between different parts of the text through the use of rhyme.