The AI-powered English dictionary
plural plenums or plena
(physics) A space that is completely filled with matter. quotations examples
The idea was that a thing could only move into an empty place, and that, in a plenum, there are no empty places.
1946, Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy
The key to understanding medieval interpretations of motion in hypothetically void space is to realize that medieval natural philosophers analyzed the same bodies in the void that they discussed in the plenum of their ordinary world.
2001, Edward Grant, God and Reason in the Middle Ages, page 176
(figuratively) A state of fullness, a great quantity (of something). quotations examples
He lay on the long stone slant down to the slapping waves, his denim shorts, sneakers, and socks under his head for a pillow, feeling the splendour of distance in all directions, the liquid silence, the plenum of aloneness.
1974, Guy Davenport, Tatlin!
A legislative meeting (especially of the Communist Party) in which all members are present. examples
An enclosed space having greater than atmospheric pressure. examples
The space above a false ceiling used for cables, ducts etc. examples
(computing) A type of network cabling which satisfies plenum-ratings issued by the National Electrical Code. These cables produce less smoke and fumes in the event of fire. examples