To interpret the observed anomalous properties of weakly ionized gas-discharge plasma, the modified van der Waals’ equation of state for real gases was used. Use of this equation provides a possible explanation for the anomalous phenomena. The analysis allows the deduction that, in addition to the kinetic energy, there exists in the plasma a reservoir of potential energy from particle interaction. Estimates indicate the feasibility and potential expediency of applying this feature of gas-discharge plasma to practical problems in gas dynamics. ©1997 American Institute of Physics.