ballast

1. (uncountable, usually)Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability.

   Ballast

   балла́стballást

   бала́стbalást

   any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship

2. (figuratively, uncountable, usually)Anything that steadies emotion or the mind.

   an attribute that tends to give stability in character and morals; something that steadies the mind or feelings

3. (uncountable, usually)Coarse gravel or similar material laid to form a bed for roads or railroads, or in making concrete; track ballast.

   Bettung, Schotter

   бала́стbalást

   coarse gravel laid to form a bed for streets and railroads

4. (uncountable, usually)A material, such as aggregate or precast concrete pavers, which employs its mass and the force of gravity to hold single-ply roof membranes in place.

5. A material, such as aggregate or precast concrete pavers, which employs its mass and the force of gravity to hold single-ply roof membranes in place.

   (uncountable, usually)Loose stone or big gravel used to hold rails and tracks in place.

6. (countable, usually)Device used for stabilizing current in an electric circuit (e.g. in a tube lamp supply circuit)

7. (figuratively, uncountable, usually)That which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security.

1. Invasive species can be introduced to an area by ship ballast water, accidental release, and most often, by people.

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2. Scientists say the invasive species arrived in the Mediterranean from Asia in the ballast of cargo ships, creating an “environmental nightmare.”

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