Origin: Latin suffix -ure
Enclosure has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose
"The farmer built a sturdy fence around the pasture to create a safe enclosure for his sheep."
the act of enclosing something inside something else
"The security guard performed a thorough enclosure of the stolen documents in a locked safe before leaving the office."
a naturally enclosed space
"The deer found shelter in the natural enclosure formed by the dense thicket of trees."
Something enclosed, i.e. inserted into a letter or similar package.
"The envelope contained an official enclosure detailing my new employment contract."
In plain English: An enclosure is an area that has been surrounded by walls, fences, or other barriers to keep things inside or out.
"The farm includes several fenced enclosures for keeping different types of livestock separate."
Usage: An enclosure refers to an item included inside another container, such as documents attached to a letter or photos sent with a form. Use this term specifically for things placed within something else rather than items that are merely nearby or separate.
The word "enclosure" comes from the Latin verb meaning "to shut up," which was formed by combining a prefix for "in" with a root related to closing or shutting doors and gates. It traveled into English through Middle French before entering our language in its current form during the late 14th century.