ballast
Pronunciation:
/ˈbæl.əst//ˈbæl.əst/noun
Definitions
Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability.
Anything that steadies emotion or the mind.
Coarse gravel or similar material laid to form a bed for roads or railroads, or in making concrete.
A 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.
verb
Definitions
To stabilize or load a ship with ballast.
To lay ballast on the bed of a railroad track.