Backwashed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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backwashed

[หˆbรฆkหŒwษ‘สƒt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

water filtration

Backwashed refers to the process in which water is forced through a filter in the reverse direction to remove accumulated debris and contaminants. This is typically done in swimming pools, water treatment plants, and aquariums to clean the filtration systems. The backwashing process helps maintain the efficiency of the filter by dislodging trapped particles. It is essential to perform backwashing periodically to ensure optimal water quality. For effective backwashing, it's important to follow specific guidelines regarding duration and pressure.

Synonyms

filter cleaning, reverse filtration, water reversal.

Examples of usage

  • The pool technician backwashed the filter to keep the water crystal clear.
  • After several hours of use, the aquarium filter required backwashing to remove waste.
  • The water treatment facility backwashed their sand filters daily.
  • During maintenance, the technician instructed us to backwash the system every month.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In hydrodynamics, backwashing refers to the process where water is pushed backward through a filter to clean it by removing impurities.
  • In oceanography, backwash occurs when waves recede from the shore, which can shape coastlines over time.
  • Backwashing is crucial in maintaining water quality in various systems, ensuring contaminants donโ€™t build up.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, backwashed drinks often symbolize unsanitary conditions or poor choices, adding comedic or dramatic effect.
  • The term has been used in music lyrics to describe negative experiences returning to haunt someone, using the metaphor of water.
  • Social media sometimes uses 'backwash' informally to denote the return of past issues or behaviors that resurface unexpectedly.

Health

  • Backwashing during drinking can lead to the spread of bacteria, raising health concerns around shared beverages.
  • Dental professionals caution against backwashing in communal settings, as it can transfer germs among group participants.
  • Awareness of backwashing has led to the rise of single-use straws and lids to improve hygienic practices in beverages.

Everyday Life

  • Backwashing is common in recreational activities like swimming, where splashes can lead to water returning to one's face.
  • In relationship discussions, one might experience 'backwash' of old arguments influencing current conversations.
  • In cooking, certain recipes may inadvertently cause backwashing in pots, illustrating the multi-functionality of water.

Origin of 'backwashed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'backwash' combines 'back' meaning the opposite direction and 'wash' related to moving liquid.
  • It first appeared in English around the early 20th century, often in relation to fluids in swimming pools or water systems.
  • In a broader sense, 'backwash' applies to emotions or actions that return to influence someone after leaving, like aftereffects.

The term 'backwash' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'back-' meaning 'reverse' and the word 'wash', which has its roots in Old English 'washian' meaning 'to cleanse with water'. The concept of backwashing became particularly relevant with the advent of modern filtration systems in the 20th century, especially in the context of water management and swimming pool maintenance. As filtration technologies advanced, the need for efficient cleaning practices like backwashing emerged. This terminology has been widely adopted across various industries that involve water purification, reflecting the process's critical role in maintaining cleanliness and safety.