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Backwash: meaning, definitions and examples

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backwash

 

[ หˆbรฆkหŒwษ‘หสƒ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

water flow

Backwash refers to the flow of water that returns to the sea after a wave breaks on the shore. It is the backward motion of water as it drains away from the beach, often pulling sand and debris along with it. Backwash can affect the shape of the shoreline over time due to its erosive properties. In a broader context, it can also describe the impact or repercussions of an action, especially in a social or political sense.

Synonyms

rebound, reflux, retreat

Examples of usage

  • The backwash from the waves eroded the sand dunes.
  • After the tide went out, there was a noticeable backwash that reshaped the beach.
  • The backwash of public opinion can influence policy decisions.
Context #2 | Verb

withdraw water

To backwash means to flow backward, particularly regarding water returning from a surface like a beach. In more technical contexts, it refers to the process of reversing the flow in filtering systems to remove accumulated dirt and debris. This action ensures that water systems remain clear and functional, optimizing their performance over time.

Synonyms

pull back, reverse flow, withdraw

Examples of usage

  • We need to backwash the filter to clear out any blockages.
  • The river seemed to backwash after the recent storms, changing its course.
  • Backwashing the pool filter is crucial for maintaining water clarity.

Translations

Translations of the word "backwash" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น refluxo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅˆเค•เคตเฅ‰เคถ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rรผckfluss

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ aliran balik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฒะพั€ะพั‚ะฝะธะน ะฟะพั‚ั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cofka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใƒƒใ‚ฏใ‚ฆใ‚ฉใƒƒใ‚ทใƒฅ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท reflux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ retroceso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท geri akฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—ญ๋ฅ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุฏูู‚ ุนูƒุณูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zpฤ›tnรฝ tok

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ spรคtnรฝ tok

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ›žๆต

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ povratni tok

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ afturflรฆรฐi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตั€ั– ะฐา“ั‹ะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒ™แƒแƒœแƒแƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ geri axฤฑn

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ retroceso

Etymology

The term 'backwash' first appeared in English in the early 19th century. It is derived from the combining forms of 'back' (meaning in a reverse direction) and 'wash' (meaning to flow over something). The word was originally used in relation to the action of waves and water behavior, particularly in coastal areas. Over time, backwash became common in nautical terminology to describe not only the water flow after a wave breaks but also the consequences of actions that create ripples in various contexts, such as social or political situations. The evolution of the word reflects the broadening of its application from a purely physical phenomenon to metaphorical uses in everyday language, capturing the essence of how actions often lead to unintended repercussions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,904, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.