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Backwash

//ˈbæk.wɑʃ// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A backward flow of water, as from oars, a propeller, breaking waves, etc. countable, uncountable

    "I looked back to a ferry passing the Statue of Liberty now, its backwash a curving line upon the bay."

  2. 2
    the wave that spreads behind a boat as it moves forward wordnet
  3. 3
    The similar flow of air from an aircraft engine. countable, uncountable
  4. 4
    the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event) wordnet
  5. 5
    The result or consequence of an event; an aftermath. countable, uncountable
Show 4 more definitions
  1. 6
    the flow of air that is driven backwards by an aircraft propeller wordnet
  2. 7
    The saliva, spit or food particles that have flowed back into a drink after someone has drunk from it. countable, uncountable
  3. 8
    The situation where economic growth in one area harms other areas by attracting people and business away from those areas. countable, uncountable
  4. 9
    washback countable, uncountable
Verb
  1. 1
    To operate a water filter in the reverse direction in order to clean it.
  2. 2
    To affect with backwash. transitive
  3. 3
    To clean the oil from wool after combing.

Etymology

Etymology 1

From back + wash.

Etymology 2

From back + wash.

See also for "backwash"

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