back wash

Noun

backwash (countable and uncountable, plural backwashes)

1. A backward flow of water, as from oars, a propeller, breaking waves, etc.
   • I looked back to a ferry passing the Statue of Liberty now, its backwash a curving line upon the bay.1952, Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man, Penguin Books (2014), page 166
2. The similar flow of air from an aircraft engine.
3. The result or consequence of an event; an aftermath.
4. The saliva, spit or food particles that have flowed back into a drink after someone has drunk from it.
5. The situation where economic growth in one area harms other areas by attracting people and business away from those areas.
6. An obscure place; a backwater.
   • "Reasonable expenses, Nickle. You can't spend much in a backwash like this Tapsfield."1934, Ernest Bramah, The Bravo of London

See all 10 meanings of backwash