Ballast

Definition:

  • (a.) Any heavy substance, as stone, iron, etc., put into the hold to sink a vessel in the water to such a depth as to prevent capsizing.
  • (a.) Any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it steadiness.
  • (a.) Gravel, broken stone, etc., laid in the bed of a railroad to make it firm and solid.
  • (a.) The larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in making concrete.
  • (a.) Fig.: That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security.
  • (v. t.) To steady, as a vessel, by putting heavy substances in the hold.
  • (v. t.) To fill in, as the bed of a railroad, with gravel, stone, etc., in order to make it firm and solid.
  • (v. t.) To keep steady; to steady, morally.

Compare ballast with other words:

ballast vs. conglomerate

ballast vs. detritus

ballast vs. unballasted

ballast vs. ballasting

ballast vs. kentledge

ballast vs. cobblestone

ballast vs. centreboard

ballast vs. trim

ballast vs. load

ballast vs. lay

aggregate vs. ballast

ballast vs. concrete

ballast vs. road

ballast vs. railroad

ballast vs. bed

ballast vs. laid

ballast vs. gravel

ballast vs. mind

ballast vs. emotion

ballast vs. stability

ballast vs. provide

ballast vs. balloon

ballast vs. ship

ballast vs. gondola

ballast vs. material

ballast vs. hold

ballast vs. crank