Ballast ( noun , verb )

(As a noun)

Ballast ( noun )

1. Heavy material that is placed in the bilge of a ship to improve its stability.
2. A device for controlling the amount of light admitted to a photographic lens.

Origin:

Middle english, from middle low german or middle dutch; akin to old english bealustre ballast.

Examples:

1. The ship was loaded with ballast to improve its stability in rough seas.
2. The photographer adjusted the ballast to control the amount of light entering the lens.
3. The old bricks were used as ballast in the foundation of the building.
4. The weight of the ballast counterbalanced the weight of the load on the crane.
5. The train carries ballast to keep the tracks in place.

(As a verb)

Ballast ( verb )

1. Heavy material that is placed in the bilge of a ship to improve its stability.
2. A device for controlling the amount of light admitted to a photographic lens.

Origin:

Middle english, from middle low german or middle dutch; akin to old english bealustre ballast.

Examples:

1. The ship was loaded with ballast to improve its stability in rough seas.
2. The photographer adjusted the ballast to control the amount of light entering the lens.
3. The old bricks were used as ballast in the foundation of the building.
4. The weight of the ballast counterbalanced the weight of the load on the crane.
5. The train carries ballast to keep the tracks in place.