backoff
nounEtymology Deverbal from back off.
1
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences The situation where an algorithm or process refrains from taking an action it would otherwise have taken.
- a backoff strategy to avoid collisions
2
Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports, Surfing The situation where an incoming wave passes from shallower water to a deeper area, making the wave less steep and potentially unsurfable.
- The surfer is in the middle of a backoff. Paddle for unbroken waves butterfly-style, with both arms at the same time, instead of using the crawl stroke that got you out to where the waves are breaking.1997, James MacLaren, Learn to Surf, page 82:
- I fastened the board's leash to my ankle, jumped on and paddled past the backoff.2012, Kimberly Young Chopin, Metamorphosis: A Love Story, page 22: