backlash

  1. Noun.  A sudden backward motion.
  2. Noun.  A reaction, objection or outcry, especially of a violent or abrupt nature.
  3. Noun.  (mechanics) The distance through which one part of connected machinery, as a wheel, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, resulting from looseness in fitting or from wear.
  4. Noun.  The jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.
  5. Verb.  (rfquote-sense) To cause or set off a backlash.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.