Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ultima

noun

/ˈʌltɪmə/

Definition

The last syllable of a word, especially in poetry or linguistics.

Examples

In the word ‘banana’, the ultima is ‘na’.
Understanding the ultima can help in the correct pronunciation of complex words.
In Latin poetry, the stress placed on the ultima may affect the meter of a verse.

Meaning

In the context of linguistics and phonetics, the term refers to the final syllable in a multi-syllable word. It is often discussed in relation to the stress patterns of words, particularly in languages that have strict rules about syllable emphasis.