ultra-, ult-

The second to the last item in a series of things, especially the second to the last syllable of a word [from Latin paene, "almost" + ultimus, "last"].

Second to the last in a series or sequence; relating to a penult.

More! Further!

Motto of German Emperor Charles V (1519-1556). It is also written as, Plus ultra and it is translated as, "Thus far and further".

More beyond.

Motto of Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA.

This is one of the longest words in the English language and is divided into the following segments: pneu, mono, ultra, micro, scopic, silico, volcano, coni, osis; and together they mean, "miner's lung disease", or "a disease of the lungs caused by the inhalation of very fine silicate, or quartz dust, and occurring especially in the lungs of miners".

The last or final syllable of a word.

The quality or state of being ultimate.

It's later than you think; literally, "Perhaps the last".

These words are inscribed on some clocks to indicate that the moment of death; indeed, the moment of eternal judgment, may be at hand. The wise person treats every hour as though it were his/her last.

1. The final argument. This phrase has literal applications, for example, "Your fourth drunk-driving citation is the ultima ratio for suspension of your driver's license."
2. The final sanction; the last argument; the last resort; the means last to be resorted to.

The final argument of kings. Louis XIV of France, recognized that force is the final argument, so he directed that his cannons carry the engraving "ultima ratio regum" (1650). As a result, this phrase usually signifies "war" or "the use of military weapons; force". The phrase was adopted in the form of "Ultima ratio regis" for the same purpose which appears on cannon cast for Frederick the Great, king of Prussia, c. 1742.

Man's last day must ever be awaited, and none to be counted happy until his death, until his last funeral rites are paid.

1. At last, finally, or at the end. The last in the train of progression or sequence tended toward by all that precedes; arrived at as the last result; final; farthest; utmost; extreme; conclusion.
2. Existing as an underlying reality, when all other things are disregarded; as, the ultimate truth.
3. Informal usage: the greatest, most nearly perfect, or highest in quality.

1. In the end, as the culmination of a process or event.
2. Finally; at last; in the end.