ballast has definitions from the fields of nautical,physics,electricity,geology
1
[ noun ] (nautical) any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship

Used in print

(The Times-Picayune, [New Orleans]...)

If his mother loves him , he clings_to that love as a ballast .

Related terms

substance

2
[ noun ] (physics,electricity) a resistor inserted into a circuit to compensate for changes (as those arising from temperature fluctuations)

Related terms

resistor

3
[ noun ] (physics) an electrical device for starting and regulating fluorescent and discharge lamps

Synonyms

light_ballast

Related terms

electrical_device

4
[ noun ] an attribute that tends to give stability in character and morals; something that steadies the mind or feelings

Related terms

attribute

5
[ noun ] (geology) coarse gravel laid to form a bed for streets and railroads

Related terms

gravel

6
[ verb ] make steady with a ballast

Related terms

brace stabilize

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