enclave
enclave Lexical Profile
enclave Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A place, group, or neighborhood that is different in character, culture, or ethnicity from those surrounding it.
"The historic district evolved into a vibrant artistic enclave filled with independent galleries and cafes."
A portion of territory wholly surrounded by a larger foreign territory whose inhabitants are culturally or politically distinct.
"The small republic of San Marino is an independent enclave completely surrounded by Italy."
• verb
To enclose or surround a region, territory, or group completely within a larger foreign or distinct area.
"Expanding urban development gradually enclaved the quiet agricultural village within the metropolitan sprawl."
Word Nuance & Usage
In political geography, an 'enclave' is a territory completely surrounded by another state from the perspective of the surrounding country, whereas an 'exclave' is a territory politically attached to a larger state but geographically separated from it by surrounding foreign territory.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-19th century from French enclave, from Old French enclaver ('to enclose' or 'to lock in'), ultimately derived from Late Latin inclavare, from Latin in- ('in') and clavis ('key').