I. ˈba-ləst noun
Etymology: probably from Low German, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish & Swedish barlast ballast; perhaps akin to Old English bær bare & to Old English hlæst load, hladan to load — more at lade
Date: 1530
1. : a heavy substance placed in such a way as to improve stability and control (as of the draft of a ship or the buoyancy of a balloon or submarine)
2. : something that gives stability (as in character or conduct)
3. : gravel or broken stone laid in a railroad bed or used in making concrete
4. : a device used to provide the starting voltage or to stabilize the current in a circuit (as of a fluorescent lamp)
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- in ballast
II. transitive verb
Date: 1538
1. : to steady or equip with or as if with ballast
2. : to fill in (as a railroad bed) with ballast