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noun

backflow

a flow that returns toward its source

In a sentence

Six example sentences with backflow, each labelled with its topic.

  • Every building code now demands a valve that stops backflow from the irrigation line into the drinking supply.

    Architecture

  • Storm surge caused backflow up the creek, pushing salt water two kilometers past the old tide marker.

    Environment

  • The dishwasher drain hose loops high on purpose, since backflow into the tub would ruin a clean load.

    Cooking

  • A leaky heart valve allows backflow, so some blood slips backward with every beat instead of moving on.

    Medicine

  • The fuel injector has a tiny check valve against backflow, since any drift back toward the pump wrecks the pressure.

    Technology

  • Students filmed the backflow in a glass tube, watching dye creep upstream when the pump briefly stalled.

    Science

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Found in these word lists

Each source is a published word list that contains backflow. No exam board publishes an official GRE, GMAT or SAT list; GMAT words come from GRE lists and the Academic Word List.

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