backshore

[ bak-shawr, -shohr ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the zone of the shore or beach above the high-water line, acted upon only by severe storms or exceptionally high tides.
2. the area immediately adjacent to a sea cliff.
3. berm ( def 3 ).

backshore

/ băk′shôr′ /

1. The area of a shore that lies between the average high tide mark and the vegetation. The backshore is affected by waves only during severe storms.
2. Compare foreshore

Word History and Origins

Origin of backshore¹

First recorded in 1915–20; back ¹ + shore ¹