Main Entry: pe·nal

Pronunciation: \ˈpē-n^əl\

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^əl-ē\ adverb