back wind

back·wind

[bak-wind]
verb (used with object), back·wind·ed, back·wind·ing. Nautical.
1.
to divert wind against the lee side of (a sail) from another sail.
2.
to set (a sail) so that the wind is on what would ordinarily be the lee side, as for turning the bow of a boat away from the wind.
3.
to blanket (another sailing vessel) by spilling wind from the sails of one vessel onto the lee side of the sails of the other.
Origin:
1895–1900; back2 + wind1

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To back wind
Explore Dictionary.com
Previous Definition: back water valve
Next Definition: back wood
Words Near: back wind
More from Thesaurus.com
Synonyms and Antonyms for back wind
More from Reference.com
Search for articles containing back wind
More from Dictionary.com Translator
00:10
Back wind is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
LEARN MORE UNUSUAL WORDS WITH WORD DYNAMO...
Dictionary.com Word FAQs

Dictionary.com presents 366 FAQs, incorporating some of the frequently asked questions from the past with newer queries.

Differences
Etymology/Origins
Grammar/Usage/Style
Spelling
Trivia
What is the Word For...? Where Can I Find...?
I have a question that isn't answered here
Partners:WordBloglinesCitysearchThe Daily BeastAsk AnswersAsk KidsLife123SendoriHome Advisor
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
About PRIVACY POLICY Terms API Careers Advertise with Us Contact Us Suggest a Word Help
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature
FAVORITES
RECENT