1. ballast - Noun
2. ballast - Adjective
3. ballast - Verb
Any heavy substance, as stone, iron, etc., put into the hold to sink a vessel in the water to such a depth as to prevent capsizing.
Any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it steadiness.
Gravel, broken stone, etc., laid in the bed of a railroad to make it firm and solid.
The larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in making concrete.
Fig.: That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security.
To steady, as a vessel, by putting heavy substances in the hold.
To fill in, as the bed of a railroad, with gravel, stone, etc., in order to make it firm and solid.
To keep steady; to steady, morally.
Source: Webster's dictionaryThere is no better ballast for keeping the mind steady on its keel, and saving it from all risk of crankiness, than business. James Russell Lowell
Less judgment than wit is more sail than ballast. William Penn
Glory falls around us as we sob a dirge of desolation on the Cross and hatred is the ballast of the rock which lies upon our necks and underfoot. Maya Angelou
Must be out-of-doors enough to get experience of wholesome reality, as a ballast to thought and sentiment. Health requires this relaxation, this aimless life. Henry David Thoreau
Make not your sail too big for your ballast. English Proverb
Courage without conduct is like a ship without ballast. American Proverb