Word Finder - back

definition

The rear of the body, especially the part between the neck and the end of the spine and opposite the chest and belly.

example

Could you please scratch my back?

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That which is farthest away from the front.

example

He sat in the back of the room.

definition

Upper part of a natural object which is considered to resemble an animal's back.

example

The small boat raced over the backs of the waves.

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A support or resource in reserve.

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The keel and keelson of a ship.

example

The ship's back broke in the pounding surf.

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The roof of a horizontal underground passage.

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Effort, usually physical.

example

Put some back into it!

definition

A non-alcoholic drink (often water or a soft drink), to go with hard liquor or a cocktail.

example

Could I get a martini with a water back?

definition

Among leather dealers, one of the thickest and stoutest tanned hides.

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To go in the reverse direction.

example

the train backed into the station;  the horse refuses to back

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To support.

example

I back you all the way;  which horse are you backing in this race?

definition

(of the wind) To change direction contrary to the normal pattern; that is, to shift anticlockwise in the northern hemisphere, or clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

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(of a square sail) To brace the yards so that the wind presses on the front of the sail, to slow the ship.

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(of an anchor) To lay out a second, smaller anchor to provide additional holding power.

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(of a hunting dog) To stand still behind another dog which has pointed.

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To push or force backwards.

example

The mugger backed her into a corner and demanded her wallet.

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To get upon the back of; to mount.

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To place or seat upon the back.

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To make a back for; to furnish with a back.

example

to back books

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To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.

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To write upon the back of, possibly as an endorsement.

example

to back a letter;  to back a note or legal document

definition

(of a justice of the peace) To sign or endorse (a warrant, issued in another county, to apprehend an offender).

definition

To row backward with (oars).

example

to back the oars

definition

Near the rear.

example

Go in the back door of the house.

definition

Not current.

example

I’d like to find a back issue of that magazine.

definition

Far from the main area.

example

They took a back road.

definition

In arrear; overdue.

example

They still owe three months' back rent.

definition

Moving or operating backward.

example

back action

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Pronounced with the highest part of the body of the tongue toward the back of the mouth, near the soft palate (most often describing a vowel).

example

The vowel of lot has a back vowel in most dialects of England.

definition

To or in a previous condition or place.

example

He gave back the money.   He needs his money back.   He was on vacation, but now he’s back.   The office fell into chaos when you left, but now order is back.

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Away from the front or from an edge.

example

Sit all the way back in your chair.

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In a manner that impedes.

example

Fear held him back.

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In a reciprocal manner; in return.

example

If you hurt me, I'll hurt you back.

definition

Earlier, ago.

example

I last saw him a day or two back.