WordWeb Online

1. The flow of air that is driven backwards by an aircraft propeller
   - slipstream, airstream, race, wash
    
2. The consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
   "the backwash of war";
   - aftermath, wake
    
3. The wave that spreads behind a boat as it moves forward
   "the motorboat's backwash capsized the canoe";
   - wake

Derived forms: backwashes

Type of: consequence, effect, event, flow, issue, moving ridge, outcome, result, upshot, wave

Encyclopedia: Backwash