enclose

Everyday

1. To enclose a place is to put a wall, fence or cover all the way round it. tree →
2. To enclose something is to put it in an envelope or parcel together with a letter. tree →
3. In maths, to enclose an area means a line or shape goes all the way round it. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, a closed shape encloses an area; a fence encloses a field and you may work out its perimeter or area. In everyday letters people write «I enclose a cheque» or «please find enclosed». In science a cell membrane encloses the cell. Phrases: enclose a photo, please find enclosed, an enclosed space, enclosed by a wall.

Examples

• A tall hedge encloses the garden. tree →
• I enclose a photo of our new puppy. tree →
• The farmer used a fence to enclose the sheep. tree →
• A square of side 4 m encloses an area of 16 square metres. tree →
• Please find enclosed the form for the school trip. tree →
• The zoo animals live in an enclosed area. tree →
• Brackets enclose the part of the sum you work out first. tree →
• Never play in an enclosed space like an old fridge — you could run out of air. tree →

Note

Regular verb: enclosed, enclosing. The noun is «enclosure» (a fenced area, or something sent in a letter). «Enclosed» in a letter is formal. In maths, the length round the outside is the perimeter; the space inside is the area — do not mix them up.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah says the three mother letters hold a great mystery, with Fire, Water, and Air proceeding from them. They are "sealed" as with six rings, meaning the six directions. In the Song of Songs, to enclose a door with cedar boards means to shut it in, which tradition reads as guarding a young woman or the people Israel. In the primary lessons: In maths, a closed shape encloses an area; a fence encloses a field and you may work out its perimeter or area. In everyday letters people write «I enclose a cheque» or «please find enclosed». In science a cell membrane encloses the cell. Phrases: enclose a photo, please find enclosed, an enclosed space, enclosed by a wall.

Examples

• These three mothers enclose a mighty mystery, most occult and most marvelous, sealed as with six rings, and from them proceed primeval Fire, Water, and Air; these are subsequently differentiated into male and female. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887) tree →
• If she be a wall, we will build upon her a turret of silver; and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. (Writings SNG.8.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: enclosed, enclosing. The noun is «enclosure» (a fenced area, or something sent in a letter). «Enclosed» in a letter is formal. In maths, the length round the outside is the perimeter; the space inside is the area — do not mix them up.