blow-by

or blow·by

[ bloh-bahy ]

noun

, Automotive.

, plural blow-bies.

1. leakage of the air-fuel mixture or of combustion gases between a piston and the cylinder wall into the crankcase of an automobile.
2. a device, fitted to a crankcase, for conducting such gases back to the cylinders for combustion.

blow-by

noun

1. the leakage of gas past the piston of an engine at maximum pressure

Word History and Origins

Origin of blow-by¹

First recorded in 1930–35; noun use of verb phrase blow by

Example Sentences

Consecutive blow-by layups from Saunders pulled the Utes with 14-12 after they had opened the game colder than the snow-covered grounds outside the arena, making only three of their first 14 shots.

From Los Angeles Times

Since newly acquired wing Norman Powell joined all-NBA defenders Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the long-term injured list Feb. 12, the Clippers have allowed the NBA’s fewest points per 100 possessions, all while Batum has shadowed springy point guards such as Tyrese Maxey, giving them space to guard against blow-by drives, and also draped himself against towering centers.

From Los Angeles Times

It got worse — much worse — when Howard, whose team is struggling after a superb season a year ago, tried a blow-by handshake with Gard, pausing only long enough to pull down his mask and say, “I’ll remember this s---.”

From Washington Post

He said after the game he injury limited “my blow-by speed.”

From Seattle Times

"It was really my blow-by speed," Young said.

From Fox News