ensile

[en-sahyl, en-sahyl]

verb (used with object)

ensiled, ensiling 

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

Other Word Forms

• ensilability 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.

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

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

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