enceinte

Enceinte is a French term used as an adjective and a noun with several related but distinct meanings. The most common modern usage is as the feminine form of the adjective meaning pregnant, as in Elle est enceinte (She is pregnant). The noun form is less frequent in everyday speech.

In historical and architectural contexts, enceinte denotes the enclosing defensive line and the area it surrounds—the fortified perimeter of a town, fortress, or castle. The term refers to the boundary created by walls, ditches, and other defenses, and is a standard concept in archaeology and architectural history.

In contemporary French, enceinte also means a loudspeaker or speaker, especially in consumer electronics such as une enceinte Bluetooth. In this sense, the English equivalent is typically speaker or loudspeaker.

Etymology: enceinte derives from en- plus ceinte, from the verb ceindre meaning to gird or surround, reflecting the sense of being enclosed.

See also: enceinte castrale, enceinte urbaine, enceinte acoustique. While the English usage of the word is usually limited to historical or architectural discussions, the everyday senses correspond to pregnancy and to a device that reproduces sound.