Ballasted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ballasted
[ˈbaləstəd ]
Definition
nautical engineering
Ballasted refers to a state in which a ship or a vessel is provided with ballast (weight) to improve stability or balance. This helps prevent capsizing and ensures better navigation through water.
Synonyms
balanced, stabilized, weighted.
Examples of usage
- The ballasted ship sailed smoothly through the rough waters.
- Engineers decided to make the vessel ballasted for better performance during the race.
- The ballasted design of the boat allowed it to handle the storm efficiently.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Maritime History
- Sailboats traditionally used sand, stones, or water as ballast to maintain stability against the wind.
- During the Age of Sail, ships would take on ballast when they were empty to ensure safe journeys.
Transportation Engineering
- In railways, 'ballasted' tracks mean they have gravel or stone under the rails to hold them in place and absorb vibrations.
- Ballast water management is vital for preventing the spread of invasive species in different aquatic environments.
Aerospace
- Aircraft can be ballasted by distributing weight in specific areas to achieve optimal flight dynamics.
- A certain weight is added to gliders to improve performance and control during training or competitions.
Psychology
- The concept of 'emotional ballasting' refers to using positive experiences or memories to stabilize one's mood during challenging times.
- Just as physical ballast helps keep things balanced, emotional support from friends can provide psychological balance in stressful situations.
Origin of 'ballasted'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'ballast' comes from Middle English, originally referring to the heavy materials used in ships.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'ballastr,' which meant a heavy load, often used in ships to ensure balance.
The term 'ballasted' is derived from the noun 'ballast', which originates from Middle English 'balast', traced further back to the Old Norse 'bajlistr' meaning 'to lift'. Historically, ballast refers to materials placed in a ship's hold, or in a hot air balloon, to provide stability. This practice dates back to the early days of seafaring, playing a crucial role in the safe navigation of vessels across varying ocean conditions. Over time, the concept of ballasting expanded beyond ships to include various contexts where stability and equilibrium are desired, including construction and transportation.