noun / verb
ballast
BAL-ust/ˈbæləst/
Weight or support that keeps something steady.
Heavy stones serve as ballast low in the boat's hull.
Etymology
On the proposed “mere load” analysis, ballast is weight carried for stability rather than as commercial cargo. “Mere” marks its role as useful weight, not merchandise.
In context
currently the vessel has a few thousand ton of ballast water on board which also helps stabilize the vessel through transit
More examples
- The crew ballasted the vessel before leaving port.
- Crushed rock forms the ballast beneath the railway tracks.
- Her practical judgment provided ballast during the heated debate.
Forms
ballast · ballasts · ballasted · ballasting
Similar words
- counterweight
- Specifically offsets another weight rather than stabilizing through added mass.
- stabilizer
- Names anything that reduces unwanted movement or variation.