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Ballast   /bˈæləst/   Listen
Ballast

noun
1.
Any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship.
2.
Coarse gravel laid to form a bed for streets and railroads.
3.
An attribute that tends to give stability in character and morals; something that steadies the mind or feelings.
4.
A resistor inserted into a circuit to compensate for changes (as those arising from temperature fluctuations).  Synonyms: ballast resistor, barretter.
5.
An electrical device for starting and regulating fluorescent and discharge lamps.  Synonym: light ballast.
verb
(past & past part. ballasted; pres. part. ballasting)
1.
Make steady with a ballast.



Related searches:
ballast resistor
light ballast


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"Ballast" Quotes from Famous Books



... true sportsman for "no daylight under mid-keel in smooth water" is in a fair way to be conceded. The new rule severely restricts plane area and lift alike. The gas compartments are permitted both fore and aft, as in the old type, but the water-ballast central tank is rendered obligatory. These things work, if not for perfection, at least for the evolution of a sane and wholesome waterborne cruiser. The type of rudder is unaffected by the new rules, so we may expect to see the Long-Davidson make (the patent on which has just expired) come largely ...
— Actions and Reactions • Rudyard Kipling
... who was carrying a flour-bag turned his head and then went on again until he hove his load into a two-horse wagon, while Miss Deringham noticed that although the bag was stamped 140 lbs. the man trotted lightly across the metals and ballast with it upon his shoulders. Then he came in their direction, and she glanced at him with some curiosity as he stood a trifle breathless before them. He wore a blue shirt burst open at the neck which showed his ...
— Alton of Somasco • Harold Bindloss
... America. The land of the flea and the home of the dag'—short for dago of course. My spirits are constantly improving. Funny Christmas, second day out. Wonder if we'll dock New Year's Day. My God what a list to starboard. They say a waiter broke his arm when it happened, ballast shifted. Don't believe it. Something wrong. I ...
— The Enormous Room • Edward Estlin Cummings
... am a poor man. I have only my little craft and a handful of seamen picked up at odd prices. But there's gold and silver enough I know of, owned by no man, to make cargo and ballast for the Nell Gwynn, ...
— The Judgment House • Gilbert Parker
... three! I What men be ye? Gotham's three wise men we be. Whither in your bowl so free? To rake the moon from out the sea. The bowl goes trim. The moon doth shine. And our ballast is old wine; And your ballast ...
— Nightmare Abbey • Thomas Love Peacock


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