A free service provided by Writers Nexus International

Writing Resources:
  • New Novelist Software
  • Writer Circles
  • Author Me
  • FirstWriter.com
  • Novel Advice
  • Robin's Nest for Writers
  • The Scriptorium
  • Women on Writing


A Writer's Dictionary:

ballast Definition


Dictionary Home » Words Starting with B » baldaquin ... ban » ballast


ballast
noun
    1. Heavy material used to keep a ship steady when it is carrying little or no cargo, or to weigh down and stabilize a hot-air balloon.
    2. Broken rocks or stones used as a base for roads and railway lines.
    3. Anything used to give a steadying influence, or lend weight or stability.
      Thesaurus: weight, counterbalance, counterweight.
Etymology: 16c: probably from Swedish bar bare + last load.



Click Here