1

backflash

noun

Definition of backflash

plural -es

1 : flashback

2 : the act or an instance of backflashing

3 : a groove formed around the outer portion of the flash to receive the metal squeezed through the flash in sinking an upper die — called also gutter

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
Advanced search features
Ad free!

Origin and Etymology of backflash

³back + flash

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1944

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

2

backflash

intransitive verb \ " \

Definition of backflash

1 of a gas : to flash back and burn at a point where combustion is not intended

2 of a literary or dramatic work : to introduce a flashback into the narrative

the script backflashes to a day in his life 10 years before

First Known Use of backflash

circa 1909

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up backflash? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

effigy

play

a figure representing a hated person

BROWSE DICTIONARY

backfit

backflap

backflash

backflip

backflow

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games