ensile

[ en-sahyl, en-sahyl ]

verb (used with object)

, en·siled, en·sil·ing.

1. to preserve (green fodder) in a silo.
2. to make into ensilage.

ensile

/ ɛnˈsaɪl; ˈɛnsaɪl /

verb

1. to store and preserve (green fodder) in an enclosed pit or silo
2. to turn (green fodder) into silage by causing it to ferment in a closed pit or silo

Derived Forms

• enˌsilaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• en·sila·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensile¹

1880–85; < French ensiler < Spanish ensilar, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + -silar, verbal derivative of silo silo

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensile¹

C19: from French ensiler, from Spanish ensilar, from en- ¹+ silo silo

Example Sentences

When corn, oats, or sorghum containing large amounts of nitrates are ensiled they release poisonous nitrogen oxide gases, creating a deadly hazard to anyone entering the silo.

From Literature

Corn and sorghum to furnish the necessary succulence must be ensiled.

From Project Gutenberg

They stood ensiled by summer; the great trees mounting guard.

From Project Gutenberg