Main Entry: en·clave

Pronunciation: \ˈen-ˌklāv, ˈän-ˌklāv\

Function: noun

Etymology: French, from Middle French, from enclaver to enclose, from Vulgar Latin *inclavare to lock up, from Latin in- + clavis key — more at clavicle

Date: 1868

: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory <ethnic enclaves>