backwash

[ bak-wosh, -wawsh ]
/ ˈbækˌwɒʃ, -ˌwɔʃ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR backwash ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Nautical. water thrown backward by the motion of oars, propellers, paddle wheels, etc.
Aeronautics. the portion of the wash of an aircraft that flows to the rear, usually created by the power plant. Compare wash(def 31).
a condition, usually undesirable, that continues long after the event which caused it.

verb (used with object)

to affect, as by hitting, rocking, or splashing, with a backwash: a powerful cutter backwashing the skiers.
to clean out (a clogged filter) by reversing the flow of fluid: Backwash the swimming pool's filters regularly.

Origin of backwash

First recorded in 1765–75; back2 + wash

OTHER WORDS FROM backwash

back·wash·er, noun

Words nearby backwash

backward, backward and forward, backward heart failure, backwardation, backwards, backwash, backwater, backwater valve, backwind, backwoods, backwoodsman

Words related to backwash

aftermath, wake, result

Example sentences from the Web for backwash

British Dictionary definitions for backwash

backwash
/ (ˈbækˌwɒʃ) /

noun

a sucking movement of water, such as that of retreating waves Compare swash (def. 4)
water washed backwards by the motion of oars or other propelling devices
the backward flow of air set up by an aircraft's engines
a condition resulting from a previous event; repercussion

verb

(tr) to remove oil from (combed wool)