SILO Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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silo

[ sahy-loh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural silos.

a structure, typically cylindrical, in which fodder or forage is kept:
The dairy farm's two biggest buildings were the barn and the silo full of feed for the cows.
a pit or underground space for storing grain, green feeds, etc.
Military. an underground installation constructed of concrete and steel, designed to house a ballistic missile and the equipment for firing it.
a group, unit, enterprise, etc., that is isolated from others or functions independently, typically viewed as not deriving the benefits of interrelationships or collaboration:
Fundraising department silos happen when different teams don't share their ideas and plans.
da·ta si·lo [dey, -t, uh, sahy-loh, dat, -, uh], Computers. an unintegrated data repository that cannot share its stored data with other systems, subsystems, or applications:
When an organization deploys a stand-alone solution to improve operations, it risks creating a data silo that may present difficulties when trying to scale throughout the enterprise.

verb (used with object)

siloed, siloing.

to put into or preserve in a silo, as fodder, grain, or missiles.
to separate or isolate (a group, unit, enterprise, etc.) from others:
We Americans are now more sheltered and siloed in our sources of news than ever before.

silo

/ ˈ��ɪ��əʊ /

noun

a pit, trench, horizontal container, or tower, often cylindrical in shape, in which silage is made and stored
a strengthened underground position in which missile systems are sited for protection against attack

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of silo¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from Spanish: “place for storing grain, hay, etc.,” originally, “subterranean”; further origin uncertain

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of silo¹

C19: from Spanish, perhaps from Celtic

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Social media has created digital silos that have swallowed users whole, demanding that they display their individualism in a way that attracts followers or risk being shunned and alone in electronic hell.

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It is not clear whether the silo that exploded was fitted with a flame arrester at any point.

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The review said agencies had operated in "silos" and were not focused enough on the child.

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Agriculture officials could start testing every silo of bulk milk, in every state, monthly, said Poulsen, the livestock veterinarian.

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For almost 30 years, the silo has been full of rubble.

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Related 51�Թ�s

sillyweed Siloam

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