Plenum vs. Space — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 7, 2024
Plenum refers to a space fully occupied by matter or an assembly, whereas "space" generally denotes an unoccupied or empty area.
Difference Between Plenum and Space
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A plenum is specifically an enclosed area where air or another substance is under pressure, often used in heating and cooling systems to distribute air. On the other hand, space typically refers to a vast, often undefined or empty area that can be either physical or conceptual.
In architectural and engineering contexts, a plenum might refer to the part of a building that allows for air circulation, sitting above ceilings or below floors. Whereas space in architecture refers to the actual areas used by occupants, such as rooms and hallways.
Plenum can also denote a meeting or assembly where all members of a group are expected to attend. On the other hand, space can refer to a feeling of freedom or the capacity to grow, often used metaphorically as in "giving someone space."
In computing, plenum cable is a type of wiring that has a fire-retardant plastic jacket and is used for heating and ventilation systems to reduce the risk of fire. Space in computing might refer to storage capacity or memory available for data.
In legal terms, a plenum is a session where all members of a court or legislative body are present. In contrast, space in legal contexts could refer to jurisdictional boundaries or the physical premises of legal importance.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Fully occupied area or assembly
Generally unoccupied or empty area
Usage in Architecture
Area for air circulation, above ceilings or floors
Areas used by occupants, like rooms
Usage in Meetings
Full assembly of a group
Freedom or capacity, metaphorically used
Usage in Computing
Fire-retardant cable jacket for safety
Storage capacity or memory availability
Usage in Legal Terms
Session where all body members are present
Jurisdictional boundaries or premises
Compare with Definitions
Plenum
Space filled with matter.
The experiment required a plenum of inert gas.
Space
A gap between objects or intervals.
She left a space between the chairs to make the room look bigger.
Plenum
Type of cable used in building spaces.
We installed plenum cable throughout the office to meet safety codes.
Space
Freedom or capacity to develop.
The artist needed space to create her new sculpture.
Plenum
Legislative full assembly.
The decision was made when the council was in plenum.
Space
An empty or unoccupied area.
We decided to convert the open space into a garden.
Plenum
Full meeting of an academic body.
The university senate convened in plenum to discuss the new policies.
Space
Area for a particular purpose.
The parking space was tight for larger vehicles.
Plenum
Enclosed space with controlled air flow.
The HVAC system used the plenum for efficient air distribution.
Space
Outer universe beyond Earth's atmosphere.
The satellite orbited Earth, traveling through space.
Plenum
An assembly or meeting with all members present.
Space
Space is the boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative position and direction. In classical physics, physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum known as spacetime.
Plenum
A condition, space, or enclosure in which air or other gas is at a pressure greater than that of the outside atmosphere.
Space
(Mathematics) A set of elements or points satisfying specified geometric postulates
Non-Euclidean space.
Plenum
The condition of being full; fullness.
Space
The infinite extension of the three-dimensional region in which all matter exists.
Plenum
A space completely filled with matter.
Space
The expanse in which the solar system, stars, and galaxies exist; the universe.
Plenum
A space lying above the ceiling in a building but below the next floor, especially one allowing movement of air between parts of the building.
Space
The region of this expanse beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Plenum
(physics) A space that is completely filled with matter.
Space
An extent or expanse of a surface or three-dimensional area
Water covered a large space at the end of the valley.
Plenum
(figuratively) A state of fullness, a great quantity (of something).
Space
A blank or empty area
The spaces between words.
Plenum
A legislative meeting (especially of the Communist Party) in which all members are present.
Space
An area provided for a particular purpose
A parking space.
Plenum
An enclosed space having greater than atmospheric pressure.
Space
Reserved or available accommodation on a public transportation vehicle.
Plenum
The space above a false ceiling used for cables, ducts etc.
Space
A period or interval of time
Within the space of a week.
Plenum
(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.
Space
A little while
Let's rest for a space.
Plenum
That state in which every part of space is supposed to be full of matter; - opposed to vacuum.
Space
Sufficient freedom from external pressure to develop or explore one's needs, interests, and individuality
"The need for personal space inevitably asserts itself" (Maggie Scarf).
Plenum
A condition, as in an occupied room, in which the pressure of the air is greater than that of the outside atmosphere; as, a plenum may exist in a hall ventilated by a fan blower.
Space
(Music) One of the intervals between the lines of a staff.
Plenum
A meeting of a legislative body at which all members are present;
The plenum will vote on all tax increases
Space
(Printing) One of the blank pieces of type or other means used for separating words or characters.
Plenum
An enclosed space in which the air pressure is higher than outside
Space
One of the intervals during the telegraphic transmission of a message when the key is open or not in contact.
Space
Blank sections in printed material or broadcast time available for use by advertisers.
Space
To organize or arrange with spaces between
Carefully space the words on the poster.
Space
To separate or keep apart
The buildings are spaced far from each other.
Space
(Slang) To stupefy or disorient. Often used with out
The antihistamine spaces me out so I can't think clearly.
Space
To be or become stupefied or disoriented. Often used with out
I was supposed to meet her, but I spaced out and forgot.
Space
(heading) Of time.
Space
Free time; leisure, opportunity.
Space
A specific (specified) period of time.
Space
An undefined period of time (without qualifier, especially a short period); a while.
Space
(heading) Unlimited or generalized extent, physical or otherwise.
Space
Distance between things.
Space
Physical extent across two or three dimensions (sometimes for or to do something).
Space
Physical extent in all directions, seen as an attribute of the universe (now usually considered as a part of space-time), or a mathematical model of this.
Space
The near-vacuum in which planets, stars and other celestial objects are situated; the universe beyond the earth's atmosphere.
The first man in space
Space
The physical and psychological area one needs within which to live or operate; personal freedom.
Space
(heading) A bounded or specific extent, physical or otherwise.
Space
A (chiefly empty) area or volume with set limits or boundaries.
Space
(music) A position on the staff or stave bounded by lines.
Space
A gap in text between words, lines etc., or a digital character used to create such a gap.
Space
(metal type) A piece of metal type used to separate words, cast lower than other type so as not to take ink, especially one that is narrower than one en (compare quad).
Space
A gap; an empty place.
Space
(geometry) A set of points, each of which is uniquely specified by a number (the dimensionality) of coordinates.
Space
A generalized construct or set whose members have some property in common; typically there will be a geometric metaphor allowing these members to be viewed as "points". Often used with a restricting modifier describing the members (e.g. vector space), or indicating the inventor of the construct (e.g. Hilbert space).
Functional analysis is best approached through a sound knowledge of Hilbert space theory.
Space
A field, area, or sphere of activity or endeavour.
Innovation in the browser space
Space
Anything analogous to a physical space in which one can interact, such as an online chat room.
Space
To roam, walk, wander.
Space
(transitive) To set some distance apart.
Faye had spaced the pots at 8-inch intervals on the windowsill.
The cities are evenly spaced.
Space
To insert or utilise spaces in a written text.
This paragraph seems badly spaced.
Space
To eject into outer space, usually without a space suit.
The captain spaced the traitors.
Space
To travel into and through outer space.
Space
Extension, considered independently of anything which it may contain; that which makes extended objects conceivable and possible.
Pure space is capable neither of resistance nor motion.
Space
Place, having more or less extension; room.
They gave him chase, and hunted him as hare;Long had he no space to dwell [in].
While I have time and space.
Space
A quantity or portion of extension; distance from one thing to another; an interval between any two or more objects; as, the space between two stars or two hills; the sound was heard for the space of a mile.
Put a space betwixt drove and drove.
Space
Quantity of time; an interval between two points of time; duration; time.
Nine times the space that measures day and night.
God may defer his judgments for a time, and give a people a longer space of repentance.
Space
A short time; a while.
Space
Walk; track; path; course.
This ilke [same] monk let old things pace,And held after the new world the space.
Space
A small piece of metal cast lower than a face type, so as not to receive the ink in printing, - used to separate words or letters.
Space
One of the intervals, or open places, between the lines of the staff.
Space
That portion of the universe outside the earth or its atmosphere; - called also outer space.
Space
To walk; to rove; to roam.
And loved in forests wild to space.
Space
To arrange or adjust the spaces in or between; as, to space words, lines, or letters.
Space
The unlimited expanse in which everything is located;
They tested his ability to locate objects in space
Space
An empty area (usually bounded in some way between things);
The architect left space in front of the building
They stopped at an open space in the jungle
The space between his teeth
Space
An area reserved for some particular purpose;
The laboratory's floor space
Space
A blank character used to separate successive words in writing or printing;
He said the space is the most important character in the alphabet
Space
The interval between two times;
The distance from birth to death
It all happened in the space of 10 minutes
Space
A blank area;
Write your name in the space provided
Space
One of the areas between or below or above the lines of a musical staff;
The spaces are the notes F-A-C-E
Space
(printing) a block of type without a raised letter; used for spacing between words
Space
Place at intervals;
Space the interviews so that you have some time between the different candidates
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference between a plenum cable and regular cable?
Yes, plenum cable is coated with fire-retardant material, making it safer for use in spaces with airflow, like HVAC systems, compared to regular cable.
What does space mean in computing?
In computing, space often refers to the storage capacity available on a hard drive or memory in a device.
How does plenum differ from space in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, a plenum refers to a full meeting of a legislative or judicial body, whereas space might refer to the scope of legal authority or physical premises.
How is space utilized in urban planning?
In urban planning, space refers to the design and allocation of areas for various uses, such as parks, building sites, and public areas.
Can plenum also mean a space filled with gas?
Yes, plenum can refer to any space completely filled with gas or fluid, where the substance is under slight pressure.
What makes plenum important in building construction?
Plenum is important for safety and efficiency in building construction as it helps manage air distribution and reduce fire hazards through the use of specific materials.
Why is it important to differentiate between plenum and space in technical fields?
Differentiating these terms is crucial for accurate communication regarding building codes, safety requirements, and system designs.
How do astronauts use the term space?
Astronauts use the term space to refer to the external environment outside of Earth's atmosphere, often focusing on the conditions and challenges of outer space.
Can the term space refer to emotional aspects?
Yes, space can also refer to emotional aspects, indicating the psychological distance or personal area one needs.
What role does plenum play in environmental control?
Plenum plays a vital role in environmental control by facilitating efficient air circulation, crucial for maintaining indoor air quality.
What is a plenum space in architecture?
A plenum space in architecture refers to the areas within a building used for air circulation, usually above a drop ceiling or below a raised floor.
What is the metaphorical use of space in language?
Metaphorically, space can refer to someone's need for personal freedom or emotional distance, as in "needing space" in a relationship.
What are the safety implications of using non-plenum cables?
Non-plenum cables, lacking fire-retardant coatings, pose higher risks of fire and smoke in building circulation spaces, emphasizing the importance of correct cable usage.
How does the concept of space influence art and design?
In art and design, space is considered a fundamental element that influences aesthetics and functionality, shaping how art is perceived and environments are used.
Is plenum always associated with air?
While commonly associated with air, plenum can refer to any filled space, including those filled with other fluids under pressure.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
