ballast

nauticalHeavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability.

figurativelyAnything that steadies emotion or the mind.

Coarse gravel or similar material laid to form a bed for roads or railroads, or in making concrete; track ballast.

constructionA 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.

electricityelectronicsDevice used for stabilizing current in an electric circuit (e.g. in a tube lamp supply circuit)

figurativeThat which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness, steadiness, and security.

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

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

An electrical device for starting and regulating fluorescent and discharge lamps

To stabilize or load a ship with ballast.

To lay ballast on the bed of a railroad track.

To weigh down with a ballast.