Plenum (Noun)
Meaning 1
An enclosed space in which the air pressure is higher than outside.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The airtight seal on the spacesuit's helmet created a plenum that maintained a safe internal air pressure despite the low pressure outside.
- In a pressurized cabin or plenum, the air pressure is higher than the surrounding environment, which allows people to breathe normally.
- The aircraft's cockpit is pressurized to a higher level than the outside air, creating a plenum that allows its occupants to withstand high altitudes.
- Engineers carefully designed the airlock as a temporary plenum to enable safe transfer between two areas with significantly different air pressures.
- The pressurized cargo hold on the spacecraft is a sealed plenum that allows delicate equipment to be transported safely through the vacuum of space.
Meaning 2
A meeting of a legislative body at which all members are present; "the plenum will vote on all tax increases".
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The plenum will convene at 10am sharp to discuss the proposed budget amendments.
- All members of the council are required to attend the plenum to ensure a quorum is present.
- The plenum will vote on all tax increases, including the contentious sales tax hike.
- During the plenum, lawmakers will debate and vote on several key pieces of legislation.
- The president will address the plenum at the start of the new legislative session.