Meanings
- uncountableThe period of screw rotation during injection molding when the plastic can flow into the mold.
But in the open (screwback) position, the plastic must progress through a series of labyrinths which produces a more turbulent flow.
1980, Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, page 3192 more examples
Two main phenomena have been emphasized: (a) The transient nature of plastication during periods of screw rotation ("screwback") in comparison with the similar process in continuous extrusion. (b) The significant amount of melting produced by thermal conduction from the barrel while the screw is not turning.
1978, Society of Plastics Engineers Annual Technical Conference, page 72Screwback time is a limiting factor when the plastication rate of the machine is too small or if the cooling time is small, as is the case with thin-walled mouldings.
2013, A.A. Collyer, A Practical Guide to the Selection of High-Temperature Engineering., →ISBN, page 45 - uncountableA hook-shaped attachment for an earring that sits behind the earlobe and tightens with a screw. Also, an earring that uses this type of attachment.
The clip was a variation of the screwback; today, many persons who cannot wear pierced earrings choose clips as an option.
2007, Rayner W. Hesse, Jewelrymaking Through History: An Encyclopedia, →ISBN, page 93 - uncountableA mechanism for attaching a small item to clothing that operates by a post which goes through the cloth and a small backing plate that screws to the post. Also, the medal, tie pin, button, etc. that uses this type of attachment.
The medal screwpost is placed through the uniform and retained by a circular screwback plate.
2012, Henry Sakaida, Heroines of the Soviet Union 1941-45, →ISBN, page 591 more example
The quality of these buttons and charms is best rolled gold and hard enameled in correct colors, the button having either a screwback or a jewelers' catchpin.
1921, The Bricklayer, Mason and Plasterer - Volumes 24-25, page 262 - uncountableA type of case for a pocket watch where the mechanism is accessed by a removable back plate that screws onto the back of the case. Also, a watch that has such a case.
The watch stolen from Dan Payton had been an Elgin, with a screwback military case.
2013, John Paul Catton, Time Hunter: Kitsune, →ISBN - uncountablegolfA powerful shot that imparts a spin to the ball.
1 more example
There he was three into the bunker and bogey for the hole was four, and making up his mind to lay the ball dead, he took his niblick and executed a beautiful screwback shot which landed within a foot of the pin, rolled to the edge of the hole, and there stopped dead, doubtless owing to the eternally damned influence of the aforesaid cloven hoofprint.
2014, Margaret Irwin, These Mortals, →ISBN - uncountableA half-volley executed by holding the racket loosely and swinging it straight at the ball.
- uncountablearchitectureA masonry abutment on an arch that is wedge-shaped in order to transmit the thrust downward.
The main arch abutments are 25 feet wide by 75 feet long and approximately 60 feet deep from the top of the screwback to the bottom of the footings.
1941, Association of Ontario Land Surveyors, Annual Report, page 72Synonyms: skewback
- uncountableAn industrial digging machine that uses a large screw at the back to drill into the ground.
With the help of a screwback shovel, it was excavated to a depth of 13 ft.
1968, Civic Administration - Volume 20, page 61 - uncountableA type of propeller in which the blades are angled to produce a motion similar to threading a screw. Also, the angle of the blades on such a propeller.
The new propeller which was installed in 1982 was a screwback type with a diameter of 5,500 mm. and a mean pitch of 4,290 mm.
1983, Fairplay International Shipping Weekly - Volume 286, page 39 - uncountableA tightening screw on the back of a hand tool.
Ball Bearing armature and spindle thrust, three jaw screwback chuck.
1931, Motor - Volume 55, page 91
Synonyms & antonyms
nounThe effect of putting backspin on the cue ball.
nounA masonry abutment on an arch that is wedge-shaped in order to transmit the thrust downward.
Origin
Cite this entry
screwback. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/screwback
“screwback.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/screwback. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “screwback,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/screwback.
Source: screwback on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.