nounπShareHeavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability."The ship used heavy stones as ballast to keep it stable in the water. "nauticalsailingphysicsmaterialChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAnything that steadies emotion or the mind."During the stressful exam, her deep breathing served as a ballast, helping her to stay calm and focused. "mindemotioncharacterChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareCoarse gravel or similar material laid to form a bed for roads or railroads, or in making concrete."The construction workers poured a thick layer of ballast before laying the railroad tracks. "materialbuildingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA material, such as aggregate or precast concrete pavers, which employs its mass and the force of gravity to hold single-ply roof membranes in place."The construction crew used heavy ballast to keep the new roof from blowing away in the wind. "materialbuildingarchitectureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareDevice used for stabilizing current in an electric circuit (e.g. in a tube lamp supply circuit)"The flickering fluorescent light needed a new ballast to regulate the electrical current. "electronicsdeviceelectrictechnologyutilityChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThat which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security."Having a strong support system of family and friends can act as ballast in life, helping you stay steady during difficult times. "nauticalsailingphysicsChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo stabilize or load a ship with ballast."The crew had to ballast the ship with extra water to keep it steady in the strong wind. "nauticalsailingvehicleChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo lay ballast on the bed of a railroad track."The construction crew will ballast the new section of track tomorrow, ensuring a stable foundation for the trains. "technicalbuildingindustrymaterialChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading