ballast

1. 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. Source: opted

2. a. Any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it steadiness. Source: opted

3. a. Gravel, broken stone, etc., laid in the bed of a railroad to make it firm and solid. Source: opted

4. a. The larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in making concrete. Source: opted

5. a. Fig.: That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security. Source: opted

6. v. t. To steady, as a vessel, by putting heavy substances in the hold. Source: opted

7. v. t. To fill in, as the bed of a railroad, with gravel, stone, etc., in order to make it firm and solid. Source: opted

8. v. t. To keep steady; to steady, morally. Source: opted

9. n. any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship Source: wordnet

10. n. coarse gravel laid to form a bed for streets and railroads Source: wordnet

11. n. an attribute that tends to give stability in character and morals; something that steadies the mind or feelings Source: wordnet

12. n. a resistor inserted into a circuit to compensate for changes (as those arising from temperature fluctuations) Source: wordnet

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