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ballasts

2 entries found.

Main Entry:
1bal·last 
          Listen to the pronunciation of 1ballast
Pronunciation:
\ˈba-ləst\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
probably from Low German, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan & Swedish barlast ballast; perhaps akin to Old English bær bare & to Old English hlæst load, hladan to load — more at lade
Date:
1530
1 : a heavy substance placed in such a way as to improve stability and control (as of the draft of a ship or the buoyancy of a balloon or submarine) 2 : something that gives stability (as in character or conduct) 3 : gravel or broken stone laid in a railroad bed or used in making concrete 4 : a device used to provide the starting voltage or to stabilize the current in a circuit (as of a fluorescent lamp)
in ballast
of a ship : having only ballast for a load


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