backflash

1 of 2

noun

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

backflash

2 of 2

intransitive verb

"

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

back entry 3 + flash

First Known Use

Noun

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Intransitive Verb

circa 1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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!