[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

ballast \bal"last\ ba^l"last, n. d. ballast; akin to dan.
   baglast, ballast, osw. barlast, sw. ballast. the first part
   is perh. the same word as e. bare, adj.; the second is last a
   burden, and hence the meaning a bare, or mere, load. see
   bare, a., and last load.
   1. naut. any heavy substance, as stone, iron, etc., put
      into the hold to sink a vessel in the water to such a
      depth as to prevent capsizing.
      1913 webster

   2. any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it
      steadiness.
      1913 webster

   3. gravel, broken stone, etc., laid in the bed of a railroad
      to make it firm and solid.
      1913 webster

   4. the larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in
      making concrete.
      1913 webster

   5. fig.: that which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness,
      steadiness, and security.
      1913 webster

            it piety is the right ballast of prosperity.
                                                  --barrow.
      1913 webster

   ballast engine, a steam engine used in excavating and for
      digging and raising stones and gravel for ballast.

   ship in ballast, a ship carrying only ballast.
      1913 webster
see also:
bare last ballast engine ship in ballast 

Ballast >> B Words
Ballast, definition of term: Ballast
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Engine >> E Words
Engine, definition of term: Engine
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Steam Engine >> S Words
Steam Engine, definition of term: Steam Engine
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Software Engine >> S Words
Software Engine, definition of term: Software Engine
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Solar Engine >> S Words
Solar Engine, definition of term: Solar Engine
solar+engine_pag1.html

Software Engine >> S Words
Software Engine, definition of term: Software Engine
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Reaction Engine >> R Words
Reaction Engine, definition of term: Reaction Engine
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Chemical Engine >> C Words
Chemical Engine, definition of term: Chemical Engine
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Fire Engine >> F Words
Fire Engine, definition of term: Fire Engine
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Jet Engine >> J Words
Jet Engine, definition of term: Jet Engine
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