meaning of ballast
1. 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.
2. Any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it steadiness.
3. Gravel, broken stone, etc. , laid in the bed of a railroad to make it firm and solid.
4. The larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in making concrete.
5. Fig. : That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security.
6. To steady, as a vessel, by putting heavy substances in the hold.
7. To fill in, as the bed of a railroad, with gravel, stone, etc. , in order to make it firm and solid.
8. To keep steady; to steady, morally.
Related Words
ballast | ballastage | ballasted | ballasting |
