backprime

B3A1C3K5P3R1I1M3E1

noun

The ⟨‵⟩ or ⟨`⟩ symbol; a reversed prime.

Scrabble 21

Meanings

backprime1

nounbackprime (plural backprimes)

plural backprimes · alternative back prime

  1. computingThe ⟨‵⟩ or ⟨`⟩ symbol; a reversed prime.

    The echo and sed commands appear within backprimes (`) that indicate command substitution: The result of executing the commands within the backprimes replaces the backprimes and everything between them.

    1997, Mark G. Sobell, “The TC Shell”, in A Practical Guide to Linux, Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, →ISBN, page 440
    1 more example

    Since deformation manifests itself as a change in the metric characteristics of continuum, in the theory of finite deformations, it is then necessary to compare the referential ‵g_(ασ) and the convective g_(ασ) metrics. We systematically employ Latin indices in order to refer to spatial components of geometrical objects, whereas Greek indices to point on convective components (only a few instances can be found in the present study) or referential components (additionally, root symbol is sometimes supplied by backprime).

    2023, Yuri N. Radayev, “Two-Point Rotations in Geometry of Finite Deformations”, in Holm Altenbach, Suren Manuk Mkhitaryan, Vahram Hakobyan, Avetik Varazdat Sahakyan, editors, Solid Mechanics, Theory of Elasticity and Creep (Advanced Structured Materials), Cham: Springer, →ISBN, page 276

backprime2

verbbackprime (third-person singular simple present backprimes, present participle backpriming, simple past and past participle backprimed)

present singular third person backprimes · participle present backpriming · participle past backprimed · past backprimed

  1. transitivemedicineTo add (a secondary infusion) to a patient by priming it with fluid from the primary infusion.

    Hang and adjust the rate or set the infusion pump as indicated. If using an infusion pump, follow the specific manufacturer's guidelines to backprime the secondary set.

    2010, Linda Laskowski-Jones, Alexandra Falkowski, “Infusion Therapy”, in Donna D. Ignatavicius, M. Linda Workman, editors, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Patient-Centered Collaborative Care, 6th edition, St. Louis, MO: Saunders, →ISBN, page 220
  2. transitiveartsTo apply a layer of primer to the back side of (a surface).

    One of the best ways to control wood movement and prevent splitting, warping, and shrinking is to backprime it (coat the back surfaces with either primer paint or stain) before installation.

    2008, Clayton DeKorne, Ted Cushman, “Appendix A: Selecting Trim Materials”, in Finish Carpentry, Newton, CT: Taunton Press, →ISBN, page 218
    1 more example

    I'm assuming a well-built building, with clear pine trim and vertical-grain red cedar clapboards. The first step is to backprime the trim and siding. Backpriming is simply painting the back of the boards — the side against the house — with oil-base primer before they are installed.

    1992, Jim Locke, The Well-Built House, Revised edition, New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company, →ISBN, page 262

Origin

backprime · noun

From back + prime (“the ⟨′⟩ symbol”), compare backslash.

Full word history & related roots →

backprime · verb

From back + prime (“to prepare a mechanism for its main work; to apply a coat of primer paint to”).

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

backprime. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/backprime

MLA

“backprime.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/backprime. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “backprime,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/backprime.

Source: backprime on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.