Word
backpressure
Definitions
01fluid dynamics
n. pressure that pushes against the direction that a liquid or gas is supposed to flow.
n. pressure exerted in a direction opposite to the main flow of a fluid in a conduit, often caused by friction or obstructions.
“The plumber explained that the clog was creating backpressure in the pipes.”
“Engineers must carefully calculate the backpressure in the exhaust system to ensure the engine operates at peak efficiency without overheating.”
Technical
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the physical force.
Synonyms
02computing and systems design
n. a way to tell a data sender to slow down because the receiver is too busy to handle more.
n. a resistance or feedback mechanism in a system that limits the flow of data from a producer when the consumer is overwhelmed.
“The server used backpressure to stop the app from sending too many requests at once.”
“Implementing effective backpressure strategies is crucial in reactive programming to prevent memory exhaustion when the data producer outpaces the consumer.”
Technical
Usage
Commonly used in the context of stream processing and distributed systems.
Synonyms
Etymology
A compound formed from the adverb back and the noun pressure. The term originated in nineteenth-century mechanical engineering to describe the resistance opposing the stroke of a piston in a steam engine.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.