Definitions
1.nounHeavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability.
2.nounAnything that steadies emotion or the mind.
3.nounCoarse gravel or similar material laid to form a bed for roads or railroads, or in making concrete.
4.nounA 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.nounDevice used for stabilizing current in an electric circuit (e.g. in a tube lamp supply circuit)
6.nounThat which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security.
7.verbTo stabilize or load a ship with ballast.
8.verbTo lay ballast on the bed of a railroad track.