Balast Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/bəˈlæst/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb or Noun

Definition

A counterweight or additional weight used to balance or stabilize something, especially in a mechanical or engineering context.

Examples

• The engineer added a balast to the wheel to improve its stability.
• The photographer used a balast to level the camera.

Synonyms

• Weigh
• Counterbalance

Antonyms

• Lighten
• Unbalance

Etymology

The word “balast” comes from the Old French word “balaste,” meaning ” ballast” or “weight,” which is derived from the Latin word “ballastrum,” meaning “ballast.” The term has been used in various contexts since the 14th century.

Usage Notes

In technical contexts, “balast” is often used to refer to the process or material used to counterbalance or stabilize something. In more general usage, the term can be used to refer to any additional weight or force that is added to achieve balance or stability.

Cultural References

The term “balast” has appeared in several films and TV shows, often in technical or engineering contexts. For example, in the 2013 film “Gravity,” the main character uses a balast to stabilize her spacecraft.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Balast the scales” is an idiomatic phrase that means to make something more stable or balanced, often by adding weight or force.

Related Words or Phrases

• Counterweight
• Ballast
• Stabilize

Collocations

• A balast is used to stabilize the object.
• The engineer added a balast to balance the wheel.

Frequency of Use

The term “balast” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it is widely used in technical and engineering contexts.