Backwash

Quick meaning: Backwash is a noun meaning (nautical) A backward flow of water, as from oars, a propeller, breaking waves, etc.

Meaning

(nautical) A backward flow of water, as from oars, a propeller, breaking waves, etc.

More Meanings

1. The similar flow of air from an aircraft engine.
2. The result or consequence of an event; an aftermath.
3. The saliva, spit or food particles that have flowed back into a drink after someone has drunk from it.
4. (economics) The situation where economic growth in one area harms other areas by attracting people and business away from those areas.
5. An obscure place; a backwater.
6. (education) Synonym of washback.
7. To operate a water filter in the reverse direction in order to clean it.

Example Sentences

"Reasonable expenses, Nickle. You can't spend much in a backwash like this Tapsfield."

They pitched the dragon over the cliff-top, let tide's flow and backwash take the treasure-minder.

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

Word Forms

• backwashes
• backwashing
• backwashed

Synonyms for backwash

Depending on context, synonyms include washback, race, wake, aftermath, wash, slipstream.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include airstream, slipstream, wash, race, aftermath, wake.

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