backwashes
|back-wash-es|
🇺🇸
/ˈbæk.wɑʃ.ɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæk.wɒʃ.ɪz/
(backwash)
backward flow
Etymology
'backwash' is a compound formed from the words 'back' and 'wash' in Modern English; 'back' + 'wash' literally describing a 'wash' that goes back.
'back' comes from Old English 'bæc' and 'wash' comes from Old English 'wæscan'/'wæsc', which combined in Middle English as 'backwash' and developed into the modern English 'backwash'.
Initially it meant a literal 'wash' that moves backward (the physical backward flow of water); over time it acquired a figurative sense meaning 'after-effect' or 'repercussion'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the backward movement of water caused by a passing boat or wave; a boat's wake or the turbulent water it leaves behind.
The backwashes from the speedboats made it hard to keep the small dinghy steady.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a secondary or indirect effect; an after-effect or repercussion (often used figuratively to describe social, political, or economic consequences).
The backwashes of the policy backwashes through the economy for years.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to cause water or another liquid to flow backward; to wash back (often used of cleaning systems: to reverse the flow to clean filters).
The pool's filtration system backwashes the filter every night.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/28 07:15