ensile

American  

[en-sahyl, en-sahyl] / ɛnˈsaɪl, ˈɛn saɪl /

verb (used with object)

ensiled, ensiling

1. to preserve (green fodder) in a silo.

2. to make into ensilage.

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ensile British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• ensilability noun

Etymology

Origin of ensile

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