backwash

[ bak-wosh, -wawsh ]

noun

1. Nautical. water thrown backward by the motion of oars, propellers, paddle wheels, etc.
2. Aeronautics. the portion of the wash of an aircraft that flows to the rear, usually created by the power plant. Compare wash ( def 31 ).
3. a condition, usually undesirable, that continues long after the event which caused it.

   Synonyms: upshot, result, consequence, aftermath

verb (used with object)

1. to affect, as by hitting, rocking, or splashing, with a backwash:

   a powerful cutter backwashing the skiers.

2. to clean out (a clogged filter) by reversing the flow of fluid:

   Backwash the swimming pool's filters regularly.

backwash

/ ˈbækˌwɒʃ /

noun

1. a sucking movement of water, such as that of retreating waves Compare swash
2. water washed backwards by the motion of oars or other propelling devices
3. the backward flow of air set up by an aircraft's engines
4. a condition resulting from a previous event; repercussion

verb

1. tr to remove oil from (combed wool)

Other Words From

• backwasher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backwash¹

First recorded in 1765–75; back ² + wash

Example Sentences

The Royal Family has had a difficult start to 2024 - uncertain in the face of health problems and surrounded by a backwash of rumour and speculation.

From BBC

Fuzz-toned guitars create a tolling, churning backwash as Pamela Connolly sings about a decisive breakup with someone who lied and took her for granted: “I was in your top five things to do,” she recalls as she moves on.

From New York Times

Grynkewich said he was worried that Russian upgrades to Iran’s drone technology could “backwash” to Tehran, making those bomb-carrying devices even more dangerous.

From Seattle Times

Japan's recent monetary policy tweak may also have had some backwash on Treasury bond investments, but the yen continues to slide and briefly hit a 2023 low on Monday as the bond yield gap between Japan and the United States widens.

From Reuters

So the absence of my baseball weekend money is a piddly backwash in the tide of wealth that’s engulfing Florida.

From Seattle Times