ballast
word
Definition
A material, such as stones or water, placed in a ship or balloon to help it stay balanced and stable. It can also mean a device used in electrical lights, like fluorescent lamps, to control the current.
Usage & Nuances
'Ballast' is mostly used in technical or nautical contexts. In shipping, it's uncountable and refers to stability weight; in lighting, it's countable (electrical part). Sometimes used metaphorically for 'something that gives stability'.
Example Sentences
The ship uses ballast to stay stable in the water.
basic
Balloons need ballast to avoid floating away.
basic
A ballast controls the current in a fluorescent lamp.
basic
We had to add more ballast before crossing the rough sea.
natural
The old lamp won't work unless the ballast is replaced.
natural
Her calm attitude acts as a ballast during emergencies.
natural