adj.
Pronunciation: ' p ē -n ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin poenalis, from poena punishment ― more at PAIN
Date: 15th century
1 : of, relating to, or involving punishment, penalties, or punitive institutions
2 : liable to punishment <a penal offense>
3 : used as a place of confinement and punishment <a penal colony>
– pe · nal · ly \ -n ə l- ē \ adverb