plenum

[plee-nuhm, plen-uhm]

noun

plural

plenums, plena 

1. the state or a space in which a gas, usually air, is contained at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

2. a full assembly, as a joint legislative assembly.

3. a space, usually above a ceiling or below a floor, that can serve as a receiving chamber for air that has been heated or cooled to be distributed to inhabited areas.

4. the whole of space regarded as being filled with matter (vacuum ).

plenum

/ ˈpliːnəm /

noun

1. an enclosure containing gas at a higher pressure than the surrounding environment

2. a fully attended meeting or assembly, esp of a legislative body

3. (esp in the philosophy of the Stoics) space regarded as filled with matter Compare vacuum

4. the condition or quality of being full

Word History and Origins

Origin of plenum¹

1670–80; < Latin, neuter of plēnus full ¹, in the phrase plēnum ( spatium ) full (space)

Word History and Origins

Origin of plenum¹

C17: from Latin: space filled by matter, from plēnus full

Example Sentences

The report came ahead of the fourth plenum of the Chinese Communist Party this weekend reaffirming its “One China” principle and voting to designate Oct.

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The readout of China’s recently concluded fourth plenum signals a continuation of current policy directions, with an emphasis on technology and innovation.

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To replace some of these officials, the party promoted 11 alternates to full membership of the Central Committee at this week’s plenum.

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China will aim to “significantly improve” its autonomy in technology over the next five years, officials said after the high-level meeting—known as the fourth plenum—wrapped up Thursday.

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The fourth such "plenum" to be held during the current Central Committee's 2022-2027 term, this session will focus on proposals for the 15th five-year plan on economic and social development, according to state media.

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