pe·nal /ˈpiːnl/ adjectiveadj 1 [only before noun]SCJ relating to the legal punishment of criminals, especially in prisons 刑罚的,惩戒(性)的〔尤指入狱〕penal colony/settlement (=a special area of land where prisoners are kept) 罪犯流放地
2. penal servitude law when someone is punished by being kept in prison and made to do hard physical work 劳役监禁 3 British EnglishBrE very severe 严重的;严厉的 penal rates of interest 极苛刻的利率