backwashes
/bækˈwɒʃɪz/
NOUN
1. Backward flow of water
The movement of water flowing backward after being pushed forward by oars, a propeller, or breaking waves.
1.1. Waves and coastal water movement
Refers to water flowing back toward the sea after waves break and wash onto a beach or shoreline.
Synonyms
- reflux
- retreating water
- receding water
Antonyms
- inflow
- incoming tide
- flow
Examples
- Ocean currents can generate unpredictable backwashes near rocky shores.
- Surfers must be cautious of dangerous backwashes when navigating coastal waters.
Related Words
1.2. Boats and propeller movement
Describes backward-moving water generated by boat oars or propellers as a vessel moves forward.
Synonyms
Examples
- The backwashes from passing motorboats rocked the smaller vessels near the dock.
- The rowers adjusted their course to avoid the backwashes produced by other boats.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Backward flow of air
The backward-moving stream of air produced by an aircraft engine or similar propulsion system.
2.1. Aircraft engine airflow
Refers to the forceful backward flow of air or exhaust generated by aircraft engines, which can disturb nearby objects and surroundings.
Synonyms
- jet blast
- engine wash
- exhaust flow
Examples
- The aircraft's backwashes stirred up dust along the runway.
- Ground personnel were warned to stay clear of the backwashes from the jet engines.
Related Words
- aircraft
- jet engine
- exhaust
- thrust
- airflow
- turbulence
NOUN
3. Aftermath or consequence
An effect, consequence, or secondary development resulting from an earlier event, action, or situation.
3.1. Consequences of events and actions
Describes subsequent effects, repercussions, or indirect consequences that emerge after an event, decision, or action.
Synonyms
- aftereffects
- aftermaths
- aftershocks
- blowbacks
- consequences
- effects
- fallouts
- implications
- outcomes
- ramifications
- repercussions
- results
- ripples
- sequels
- side effects
- upshots
Antonyms
Examples
- The political backwashes of the controversial decision affected the entire administration.
- The company struggled to manage the backwashes of its failed expansion strategy.
- The backwashes of the economic crisis continued to affect small businesses.
Related Words
- by-products
- corollaries
- developments
- offshoots
- outgrowths
- side reactions
- spin-offs
NOUN
4. Contamination of a drink
Saliva, spit, or food particles that flow back into a drink after someone has consumed liquid from it.
4.1. Saliva and drink contamination
Describes saliva or small food particles transferred from someone's mouth into a shared beverage or container when drinking.
Synonyms
Examples
- Sharing a bottle can introduce backwashes into the remaining drink.
- He avoided drinking from the bottle because of the backwashes left by other people.
Related Words
- mouth residue
- food particles
- contamination
- cross-contamination
- hygiene