ballasts
|bal-lasts|
/ˈbæl.əst/
(ballast)
weight that stabilizes
Etymology
'ballast' originates from Middle Dutch (Middle Low German) 'ballast', where the components suggested a 'ball/rounded stone' + 'last' meaning 'burden' or 'load'.
'ballast' entered Middle English from Middle Dutch/Middle Low German as 'balast' or 'ballast' in the late medieval period and eventually became the modern English word 'ballast'.
Initially it meant 'a load or burden (heavy object placed aboard)', and over time the meaning broadened but remained centered on 'material added for weight or stability' (including the specialized railway sense).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'ballast' — heavy material (weights, stones, gravel) used to provide stability (for ships, balloons, vehicles) or to form the bed under railway tracks.
The ship's ballasts were adjusted before departure to ensure proper stability.
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Noun 2
plural form of 'ballast' — specifically, coarse stone or gravel used as the bed beneath and between railroad tracks (track ballast).
The maintenance crew replaced the worn ballasts between the rails.
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Verb 1
third person singular present tense of 'ballast' — to provide or stabilize with ballast; to add weight to make stable.
She ballasts the small experimental balloon with sandbags to keep it from drifting.
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Last updated: 2026/01/06 06:50