Also means
prison
Usage Note
Penitenciario is the formal adjective for anything relating to the prison system (sistema penitenciario = prison system, centro penitenciario = penitentiary). It derives from penitencia (penance). As a noun, un penitenciario is an ecclesiastical official with authority over confessions, though this use is rare outside religious contexts.
Examples
"Las condiciones del sistema penitenciario son duras."
Natural Translation
The conditions of the prison system are harsh.
Related Words
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