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plena

 - 4 dictionary results

ple⋅num

  [plee-nuhm, plen-uhm]
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–noun, plural ple⋅nums, ple⋅na  [plee-nuh, plen-uh] .
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 (opposed to vacuum ).
Origin:
1670–80; < L, neut. of plēnus full, in the phrase plēnum (spatium) full (space)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ple·na   (plē'nə, plěn'ə)   
n.  A plural of plenum.
ple·num   (plē'nəm, plěn'əm)   
n.   pl. ple·nums or ple·na (plē'nə, plěn'ə)

  1. An assembly or meeting with all members present.

  2. A condition, space, or enclosure in which air or other gas is at a pressure greater than that of the outside atmosphere.

  3. The condition of being full; fullness.

  4. A space completely filled with matter.


[Latin plēnum (spatium), full (space), neuter of plēnus; see pelə-1 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

plenum 
1678, "filled space" (opposite of vacuum), from L. plenum (spatium) "full (space)," neuter of plenus "complete, full" (see plenary). The meaning "of a full assembly of legislators" is first recorded 1772.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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