Ballasts – Definition & Meaning

Ballasts are an essential component in the functioning of many electrical devices. They are used to regulate the current flow in a circuit, thus ensuring that the device operates safely and efficiently. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of ballasts, their origin, and the different associations, synonyms, and antonyms of the word.

Definitions

Ballasts are devices that regulate the current flow in a circuit. They are used in electrical devices such as fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, and other types of lighting. Ballasts are designed to limit the amount of current that flows through the circuit, thus preventing the device from overheating and causing damage.

Origin

The word ballast comes from the Old Norse word “balasta,” which means to load. In the early days of shipping, ballast was used to stabilize ships that were carrying cargo. Stones or other heavy materials were placed in the bottom of the ship to keep it from tipping over. Over time, the term ballast came to be used in other contexts, including electrical engineering.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ballast is “a heavy substance placed in such a way as to improve stability and control (as of the draft of a ship or the buoyancy of a balloon or submarine).” In the context of electrical engineering, ballast is “a device that regulates the current in an electrical circuit.”

Associations

Ballasts are commonly associated with lighting fixtures, particularly fluorescent lamps and HID lamps. They are also used in other types of electrical devices, such as motors and transformers. In the shipping industry, ballast is still used to stabilize ships.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of ballasts include stabilizer, regulator, and limiter.

Antonyms

Antonyms of ballasts include destabilizer, unregulator, and amplifier.

The same root words

The word ballast shares the same root as the words “balance” and “ballistics.” All three words have their origins in the Old Norse word “balasta,” which means to load.

Example Sentences

1. The ballast in the fluorescent lamp ensures that the current flow is regulated properly.
2. The ship’s ballast was adjusted to keep it from tipping over in rough seas.
3. The motor’s ballast prevented it from overheating and causing damage.
4. The ballistics expert analyzed the trajectory of the bullet to determine its origin.
5. The balance of power between the two countries was a delicate issue.