ballast Meaning & Definition
What Does Ballast Mean?
As a noun, ballast means Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability. It can also mean Anything that steadies emotion or the mind. As a verb, it means To stabilize or load a ship with ballast.
Ballast at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈbæl.əst// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Plural | ballasts |
| Verb forms | ballasts, ballasting, ballasted |
Ballast Definition (Noun)
- Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability.
- Anything that steadies emotion or the mind.
- Coarse gravel or similar material laid to form a bed for roads or railroads, or in making concrete; track ballast.
- A 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. Loose stone or big gravel used to hold rails and tracks in place.
- Loose stone or big gravel used to hold rails and tracks in place.
- device used for stabilizing current in an electric circuit (e.g. in a tube lamp supply circuit)
- That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security.
Ballast as a Verb
- To stabilize or load a ship with ballast.
- To lay ballast on the bed of a railroad track.
- To weigh down with a ballast.
Noun
- Coarse gravel or similar material laid to form a bed for roads or railroads, or in making concrete.
- A 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.
Synonyms of Ballast
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Ballast synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Ballast
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Ballast in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
ballast (usually uncountable, plural ballasts)
ballast (third-person singular simple present ballasts, present participle ballasting, simple past and past participle ballasted)
Words That Rhyme With Ballast
Origin of Ballast
From Middle English bar (“bare”) + last (“load”).
Ballast Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of ballast is //ˈbæl.əst//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Ballast
Is ballast a noun or a verb?
Ballast is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is the plural of ballast?
The plural of ballast is ballasts.
What is the past tense of ballast?
The past tense of ballast is ballasted. The present participle is ballasting.