Word Meaning

ballast definition and meaning

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

Crossword clues for ballast

- Counterweight
- Give some stability to dance, as tango started
- Heavy material carried by a ship to ensure stability
- Material used to stabilize a ship
- Ship’s counterbalance
- Ship’s steadying material
- Stabiliser
- Stabilising load