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ballast
nounmasculinegeneral useuncommon/ˈlaʃtɾu/las·tro
Definitions
21
Heavy material placed in the hold of a ship or the gondola of a balloon to ensure stability.
Usage examples
“The ship took on ballast for the voyage.”
“The balloon dropped ballast to gain altitude.”
Synonyms
Common combinations
sand ballastdrop ballastballast tank
2
Something that gives stability or substance.
Usage examples
“His knowledge provided the ballast for the team's arguments.”
“Tradition acts as a cultural ballast.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common combinations
moral ballastfinancial ballastintellectual ballast