What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Ramification vs Backwash - What's the difference?

ramification | backwash |

As nouns the difference between ramification and backwash

is that ramification is (botany|anatomy) a branching-out, the act or result of developing branches; specifically the divergence of the stem and limbs of a plant into smaller ones, or of similar developments in blood vessels, anatomical structures etc while backwash is (nautical) the backward flow of water from oars or propeller or breaking waves.

As a verb backwash is

to operate a water filter in the reverse direction in order to clean it.

ramification

Noun

(en noun)
  • (botany, anatomy) A branching-out, the act or result of developing branches; specifically the divergence of the stem and limbs of a plant into smaller ones, or of similar developments in blood vessels, anatomical structures etc.
  • * 1829 , Lincoln Phelps, Familiar Lectures on Botany , p. 179:
  • The character of trees may be studied to advantage [...] in winter, when the forms of the ramification can be seen in the naked boughs [...].
  • * 1856 , Neil Arnott & Isaac Hayes, Elements of Physics , pp. 414-5:
  • From the left chamber or ventricle'' of the strong muscular mass, the ''heart'', a large tube arises, called the ''aorta ; and by a continued division or ramification , opens a way for the bright scarlet blood to the very minutest part of the living frame [...].
  • An offshoot of a decision, fact etc.; a consequence or implication, especially one which complicates a situation.
  • * 1834 , Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy :
  • The treachery of some of the Jacobite agents (Rashleigh among the rest), and the arrest of others, had made George the First's Government acquainted with the extensive ramifications of a conspiracy long prepared, and which at last exploded prematurely [...].
  • * 2009 , The Guardian , Chris Power, Booksblog, 14 Jul 09:
  • But most often and memorably his work falls into that territory best summed up as speculative fiction, with a particular emphasis on dystopian futures and the existential ramifications of space exploration.
  • (mathematics) An arrangement of branches.
  • backwash

    English

    Noun

    (es)
  • (nautical) The backward flow of water from oars or propeller or breaking waves.
  • The similar flow of air from an aircraft engine.
  • The result or consequence of an event; an aftermath.
  • The saliva, spit or food particles that have flowed back into a drink after someone has drunk from it.
  • Verb

  • To operate a water filter in the reverse direction in order to clean it.