Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈanəɹi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "granary" is commonly confused with "grainery". The correct pronunciation is /ˈɡrænəri/ with emphasis on the first syllable. The word comes from the Latin word "granarium" meaning "a place for grain". It is used to refer to a building used for storing grain or a small farm that grows and stores grain. The spelling of the word must be carefully noted to avoid confusion with words that have similar meanings.
A granary is a noun that refers to a building or facility specifically designed for storing and preserving harvested grain crops. It serves as a secure repository where grains like wheat, corn, rice, barley, and oats are stored in large quantities, typically after being threshed and winnowed. The primary purpose of a granary is to protect the stored grains from pests, moisture, and spoilage, ensuring a reliable food supply for an extended period.
Traditionally made from natural materials such as stone, clay, or wood, granaries feature sturdy construction and peculiar designs that allow for ventilation while preventing easy access for rodents and insects. The raised floors or platforms found in granaries facilitate air circulation, preventing the accumulation of excess moisture that could cause the grains to deteriorate. Depending on the size and capacity, granaries may consist of multiple compartments or chambers and may be equipped with features like hatches and ladders for easy loading and retrieval of the stored grains.
Granaries have been integral to agricultural civilizations throughout history, as they provide food security and prevent crop wastage. In addition to their protective function, granaries may also serve as economic centers, where grains are stored as a commodity before being sold or traded. Modern granaries have evolved to include mechanized systems for efficient handling, monitoring, and even drying of crops. Their significance remains vital in contemporary agriculture, ensuring the availability of grain to feed human populations and livestock.
A building for storing grain.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "granary" has its origin in the Latin term "granarium", which is derived from the noun "granum", meaning "grain". The Latin term "granarium" referred to a place or building where grain was stored. It eventually entered Old French as "grenier", before being adopted into Middle English as "gerner" or "grannarie". Over time, it evolved into the modern English term "granary", which still signifies a structure designed for storing grain.
