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| bal·last [ bálləst ] |
noun (plural bal·lasts) |
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| Definition: |
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1. stabilizing heavy weights: heavy material carried in the hold of a ship, especially one that has no cargo, in the keel of a sailing boat, or in the gondola of a balloon, to give the craft increased stability
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2. something that gives bulk or stability: anything that serves no particular purpose except to give bulk or weight to something or that provides additional stability
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3. foundation material: stones or gravel when used as a foundation for a road or railroad track
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4. industry gravel used in making concrete: gravel used in making concrete and in earthworks
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5. electrical engineering circuit limiting current flow: a circuit that limits the current flow in a fluorescent lamp
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transitive verb (past and past participle bal·last·ed, present participle bal·last·ing, 3rd person present singular bal·lasts) |
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| Definition: |
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1. put ballast on something: to load ballast onto something
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2. stabilize something: to give stability to something
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| [Mid-16th century. Probably < Old Danish, "mere weight" < bar "bare, mere" + last "load"] |
