enclosure

American  

[en-kloh-zher] / ɛnˈkloʊ ʒər /

Also inclosure

noun

1. something that encloses, as a fence or wall.

2. something that is enclosed in or along with something else, as a photograph sent in a letter.

3. an area, such as a plot of ground or an indoor surface, surrounded by a fence, rope, or other barrier.

4. the separation and appropriation of land by means of a fence.

5. an act or instance of enclosing.

6. the state of being enclosed.

7. Roman Catholic Church. the part of a monastery or convent canonically separated or restricted as the living quarters of the religious, which a person may leave only with special permission or gain entrance to by special dispensation.

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enclosure British  

/ ɪnˈkləʊʒə /

noun

1. the act of enclosing or state of being enclosed

2. a region or area enclosed by or as if by a fence

3. 1. the act of appropriating land, esp common land, by putting a hedge or other barrier around it

   2. history such acts as were carried out at various periods in England, esp between the 12th and 14th centuries and finally in the 18th and 19th centuries

4. a fence, wall, etc, that serves to enclose

5. something, esp a supporting document, enclosed within an envelope or wrapper, esp together with a letter

6. a section of a sports ground, racecourse, etc, allotted to certain spectators

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Other Word Forms

• nonenclosure noun
• preenclosure noun
• semienclosure noun

Etymology

Origin of enclosure

First recorded in 1450–1500; enclose + -ure

Example Sentences

Thorabella Farm, near Forres, said the animals - the world's largest rodents and native to South America - vanished from their heated enclosure on Tuesday.

From BBC

Most quantum computers include a component casually referred to as a “fridge,” a cryogenic enclosure that encases the processor and keeps it cold.

From Barron's

Passive measures include multiple remote exits, protected stair enclosures, compartmentalization, smoke-tight doors and interior linings that resist ignition and limit heat release.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is among the 13 large hilltop enclosures spread across the mountain range where there are structures dating back to the Neolithic period and Early Bronze Age.

From BBC

The department also advises deer-proofing property to avoid attracting a mountain lion’s main food source, removing dense vegetation to reduce hiding spaces, installing outdoor lighting and securing animal enclosures.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cage
• courtyard
• pen