balasto eléctrico
/balasto eleɡtɾiko/from spelling rules
The English phrase "electrical ballast" is translated into Spanish as balasto eléctrico.
This phrase refers to a device used to regulate the current flowing to a gas-discharge lamp.
Which one should you use?
While balasto eléctrico is the standard term, balastro eléctrico is a more formal variation.
How do you pronounce it?
/balasto eleɡtɾiko/
Did you know?
- The word eléctrico shares a common ancestor with the English word 'amber', tracing back to the Ancient Greek word for the gemstone. This is because early scientists observed that rubbing amber produces static electricity.
- If you are working on a railway, the crushed stone under the tracks is also called balasto. This creates a strange linguistic link between the weight used to stabilize a ship and the stones used to stabilize a train track.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you might hear the word cebador used to mean 'ballast'. While a cebador is actually a starter, people often conflate the two components when talking about lamp regulation.
Examples in context
- El balastro eléctrico regula el flujo de corriente en los dispositivos de iluminación.The electrical ballast regulates the current flow in lighting devices.
- No olvides reemplazar el transformador de esa lámpara.Don't forget to replace the ballast of that lamp.
- El balasto eléctrico está fallando en la oficina.The electrical ballast is failing in the office.
- Necesitamos comprar un balasto eléctrico nuevo.We need to buy a new electrical ballast.
- Esa lámpara requiere un balasto eléctrico específico.That lamp requires a specific electrical ballast.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are looking at a flickering light in the ceiling.
- AlejandroLucía, la luz parpadea mucho.Lucía, the light is flickering a lot.
- LucíaSeguro que es el balasto eléctrico.It's probably the electrical ballast.
- Alejandro¿Puedes cambiar el balasto eléctrico tú?Can you change the electrical ballast yourself?
- LucíaNo, Alejandro, llamemos a un electricista.No, Alejandro, let's call an electrician.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balasto, eléctrico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
