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ballast - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'ballast' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Ballast [ 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.
- Any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it steadiness.
- Gravel, broken stone, etc., laid in the bed of a railroad to make it firm and solid.
- The larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in making concrete.
- Fig.: That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security.
2 . Ballast [ v. t.]
- To steady, as a vessel, by putting heavy substances in the hold.
- To fill in, as the bed of a railroad, with gravel, stone, etc., in order to make it firm and solid.
- To keep steady; to steady, morally.

Nearby Words:

balaam balachong balaenoidea balance balance wheel balanceable balanced balancement balancer balancereef

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