BALLAST • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Ballast

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/bˈæləst/ Listen

noun

Ballast n.

1.

(Naut.) 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.

2.

Any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it steadiness.

3.

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

4.

The larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in making concrete.

5.

Fig.: That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security. "It (piety) is the right ballast of prosperity."

Ballast engine, a steam engine used in excavating and for digging and raising stones and gravel for ballast.

Ship in ballast, a ship carrying only ballast.

verb

Ballast v. t. (past & past part. ballasted; pres. part. ballasting)

1.

To steady, as a vessel, by putting heavy substances in the hold.

2.

To fill in, as the bed of a railroad, with gravel, stone, etc., in order to make it firm and solid.

3.

To keep steady; to steady, morally. "'T is charity must ballast the heart."

See images of 'Ballast'

Etymology of 'Ballast'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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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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