Definition

To store food, especially fodder, in a silo to keep it fresh for later use.

Example

Farmers often ensile corn to ensure it remains nutritious during the winter months.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen how farmers ensile their crops?

Yeah, I watched a documentary on that last week!

It's interesting how they store it in silos for preservation.

Definitely! It helps ensure they have enough food for the animals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ensile → It is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "sile" (from Latin "silere", meaning to be silent or to be still). The word refers to the act of storing fodder in a silo, causing it to be in a state of preservation or stillness.

Memory Tip

Think of 'causing to be in' ('en-') a state of 'stillness' ('sile') — that's why ensile means to store fodder in a way that preserves it.

Visually Confused Words