balasto 33
1º_ In an electrical circuit it is an inductive current limiter, although today there are electronic versions. It is mainly used in gaseous discharge lamps, which would burst if connected directly to the electrical grid. It comes from the English ballast ("ballast, weight in the hold of a ship"), a little because the first ones were very heavy and another little by association with the handling of the load (in this case, electric). 2º_ Layer or filling of gravel or crushed stone that is commonly used among railroad sleepers. Also the same stone, used in construction and roads. 3º_ Inflection of the verb balastar . See verbs/ballast .