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backwash

 - 3 dictionary results

back⋅wash

[bak-wosh, -wawsh]
–noun
1. Nautical. water thrown backward by the motion of oars, propellers, paddle wheels, etc.
2. Aeronautics. the portion of the wash of an aircraft that flows to the rear, usually created by the power plant. Compare wash (def. 31).
3. a condition, usually undesirable, that continues long after the event which caused it.
–verb (used with object)
4. to affect, as by hitting, rocking, or splashing, with a backwash: a powerful cutter backwashing the skiers.
5. to clean out (a clogged filter) by reversing the flow of fluid: Backwash the swimming pool's filters regularly.

Origin:
1765–75; back 2 + wash


backwasher, noun


3. aftermath, consequence, result, upshot.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To backwash
back·rush   (bāk'rŭsh')   
n.  The seaward return of water after the landward motion of a wave. Also called backwash.
back·wash   (bāk'wŏsh', -wôsh')   
n.  
    1. A backward flow of water, as from the action of oars.

    2. See backrush.

  1. A backward flow of air, as from the propeller of an aircraft.

  2. A result of an event; an aftermath.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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