[bak-wosh, -wawsh] 
| 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. |
| 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. |
