noun / verb
backwash
BAK-wawsh/ˈbækwɔːʃ/
A flow returning against its original direction.
The wave's backwash drains toward the sea around the rock.
Etymology
Back and wash originally described the motion of a receding wave. That returning-flow image also makes sense of the figurative meaning: unpleasant consequences that follow an event.
More examples
- The operator backwashes the filter to remove trapped dirt.
- Small firms suffered in the backwash of the financial crisis.
- The boat rocked in the backwash from the passing ferry.
Forms
backwash · backwashes · backwashed · backwashing
Similar words
- return flow
- Describes reversed liquid movement without the figurative consequences.
- aftermath
- Specifically names consequences rather than a physical returning flow.