Meaning

The punctuation mark \ (a left-leaning diagonal line)..

Definitions by Sense

1. The punctuation mark \ (a left-leaning diagonal line).
2. (computing, rare, proscribed) The punctuation mark /; a slash, forward slash.
3. (computing, transitive) To escape (a metacharacter) by prepending a backslash that serves as an escape character, thereby forming an escape sequence.

Example Sentences

[…] I was trying to find a web-site for which I had been given the following address: http://www.isop.ucla.edu/pacrim/pubs/korjournal.htm. […] I began to work backwards, removing first the last part of the address following the last backslash (/korjournal.htm).

“So, do what I tell you. Open a browser window and type this in the menu^([sic]) bar: F-T-P colon backslash backslash euronews dot net backslash...” I pecked carefully at the keyboard as he dictated a URL that was about fifty characters long, […]

Also, avoid submenus^([sic]) that can confuse the audience—if you're giving lengthy Web site addresses full of backslashes, shorten it so only the Web site's home page is given.

Word Forms

• backslashes
• back slash
• backslashing
• backslashed

Synonyms for backslash

Related Words

When Should You Use Backslash?

Use backslash when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions