ballast

(noun, verb)

noun

1. any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship

Definition categories: man–made, material, stuff

2. coarse gravel laid to form a bed for streets and railroads

Definition categories: substance, gravel

3. an attribute that tends to give stability in character and morals; something that steadies the mind or feelings

Definition categories: attribute

4. a resistor inserted into a circuit to compensate for changes (as those arising from temperature fluctuations)

Similar word(s): barretter

Definition categories: man–made, resistance, resistor

5. an electrical device for starting and regulating fluorescent and discharge lamps

Definition categories: man–made

verb

1. make steady with a ballast

Definition categories: change, brace, stabilise, stabilize, steady