'spore-enclosed' is a Modern English compound formed from 'spore' and the past participle 'enclosed'. 'spore' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'spora', where 'spora' meant 'seed' or 'sowing'. 'enclose' (seen in the past participle 'enclosed') ultimately comes via Old French 'enclos' from Latin 'includere' (from 'in-' + 'claudere').

'spore' passed from Greek 'spora' into Late Latin and then into Middle English as 'spore'. 'enclose' developed from Latin 'includere' to Old French 'enclore/enclos' and Middle English 'enclosen', evolving into modern 'enclose'. The compound 'spore-enclosed' is a recent descriptive formation in scientific English combining these elements.

Initially, 'spore' meant 'seed' (or that which is sown) and 'enclose' meant 'to shut in'; combined in modern usage the phrase specifically conveys 'shut in or covered by spores'.