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backwards variant of "backward."
backwash in nautical terminology, water that an oar, propeller, or the like pushes toward the rear of a boat. [4 definitions]
backwater a pool of water that a dam, current, flood, or the like prevents from flowing. [2 definitions]
backwoods (often used with a sing. verb) an area that is mostly covered with trees and that has few inhabitants. [4 definitions]
backyard an open area behind a house that is part of the homeowner's property.
bacon a fatty, smoked, and salted form of pork, taken from the back and side of the pig.
bacteremia the presence of bacteria in blood.
bacteria pl. of bacterium. Bacteria are one-celled microscopic organisms of various shapes that are often agents of fermentation and putrefaction and that, in some cases, cause disease.
bactericide something that can kill bacteria.
bacteriology the science that is concerned with bacteria.
bacteriophage any virus that attacks and kills bacteria.
bacterium any of a large group of one-celled microscopic organisms of various shapes that are often agents of fermentation and putrefaction and that may cause disease.
Bactrian camel a two-humped camel that is native to central Asia and that is stockier and hairier than an Arabian camel. (Cf. dromedary.)
bad of low quality or desirability; unsatisfactory. [9 definitions]
bad apple one exceptional member of a group who behaves badly and causes trouble for all the other members of the group or makes the others look bad.
bad blood animosity between two or more people; mutual hostility.
bade a past tense of bid.
badge a piece of metal, cloth, or other material worn to signify a particular membership, rank, occupation, or accomplishment. [3 definitions]
badger any of several carnivorous, short-legged mammals that burrow in the ground. [3 definitions]
bad guy (informal) the villain or enemy in a fictional story. [4 definitions]
bad-humored having or showing an unpleasant or ill-tempered nature or mood.