A closure in JavaScript is a function that retains access to its lexical scope, even when the function is executed outside that scope. This means that a closure can remember and access variables from its outer function even after that function has finished executing. citeturn0search0 Key Characteristics of Closures: Lexical Scoping: Functions in JavaScript form closures by capturing variables from their surrounding lexical environment. This allows inner functions to access variables defined in their outer functions. Persistent State: Closures enable functions to maintain a persistent state. Since the inner function has access to the outer function's variables, it can remember and modify these variables across multiple invocations. Practical Applications of Closures: Data Encapsulation: Closures allow for the creation of private variables, enabling data hiding and encapsulation. This is particularly useful in module patterns where certain data should not be expo...