penetralia

American  

[pen-i-tray-lee-uh] / ˌpɛn ɪˈtreɪ li ə /

plural noun

1. the innermost parts or recesses of a place or thing.

2. the most private or secret things.

---

penetralia British  

/ ˌpɛnɪˈtreɪlɪə /

plural noun

1. the innermost parts

2. secret matters

---

Other Word Forms

• penetralian
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of penetralia

First recorded in 1660–70; from Latin, noun use of neuter plural of penetrālis “inner,” equivalent to penetr(āre) “to penetrate ” + -ālis -al ¹

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

penetralia

Like Kahn’s buildings, too, Lesser’s book has its penetralia, core elements to which one is only gradually led.

From New York Times ● Mar. 7, 2017

The book is littered with show-off phrases such as "alembicated piety" and "the penetralia of one's self-regard."

From Time Magazine Archive

"Pray, walk in, Mr. Sewell," she said, rising, and leading the way toward the penetralia of the best room.

From The Pearl of Orr's Island A Story of the Coast of Maine by Harriet Beecher Stowe

He wanted to hear his own voice applauding the things that were leaping, singing, shouting in the penetralia of his being.

From The Cottage of Delight A Novel by Will N. (William Nathaniel) Harben

Richer surprises still thou hast: I know The ways that to thy penetralia lead, Where in black bogs the sundew's sticky bead Ensnares young insects, and that rosy lass, Sweet Arethusa, blushes in the grass.

From The Two Twilights by Henry A. (Henry Augustin) Beers

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---