penult

[ pee-nuhlt, pi-nuhlt ]

/ ˈpi nʌlt, pɪˈnʌlt /

the next to the last syllable in a word.

Also pe·nul·ti·ma

[pi-nuhl-tuh-muh] /pɪˈnʌl tə mə/.

Origin of penult

1530–40; < Latin paenultima ( syllaba), contraction of paene ultima almost the last; see pen-, ultima

The accent is usually on the penult vowel, sometimes on the last, but never on the antipenult.

A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. 5 |Robert Kerr
In such words the accent stands upon the penult, even though that be short.

New Latin Grammar |Charles E. Bennett
The accent must fall on the penult, if it was long, otherwise on the antepenult of the word.

The Common People of Ancient Rome |Frank Frost Abbott
Note (a) In words of two syllables, it falls on the penult: Cir´-ce.

The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art (2nd ed.) (1911) |Charles Mills Gayley

The Indian name is pronounced as if written “Thayendanauga,” with accent on penult.

The American Revolution |John Fiske

penult

/ (ˈpɛnʌlt, pɪˈnʌlt) /

the last syllable but one in a word

C16: Latin paenultima syllaba, from paene ultima almost the last