Ballast
/ˈbæləst/
Definitions
2 meaningsHeavy material placed low in a vessel to improve stability.
/ˈbæləst/
Heavy material used to add stability.
The ship's ballast prevented it from capsizing.
💡 Simply: Weight used to keep something steady.
More Examples
They added ballast to the hot air balloon to descend safely.
How It's Used
"The ship took on ballast to improve its stability in rough seas."
"The hot air balloon needed ballast to control its altitude."
To add weight or material to something for stability.
/ˈbæləst/
To add ballast to; to stabilize.
We need to ballast the boat to prevent it from tipping over.
💡 Simply: To add weight to make something stable.
How It's Used
"The crew ballasts the ship before setting sail."
From Middle English *ballast, from Old French *ballast, from Medieval Latin *ballastus, of uncertain origin, possibly from a Germanic source.
Historically, ballast was crucial for seafaring vessels, often consisting of stones or sand.
Memory tip
Imagine a heavy 'ball' adding 'last'ing stability.
Word Origin
"The original meaning is unclear, possibly related to a Germanic root."