backspace

[ bak-speys ]

verb (used without object)

, back·spaced, back·spac·ing.

1. to shift the carriage or typing element of a typewriter one space backward by depressing a special key.
2. Computers. to move the cursor, printhead, etc., toward the beginning of the data.

noun

1. the space made by backspacing.
2. Also called backspacer,. the labeled key on a typewriter or computer keyboard used for backspacing.

backspace

/ ˈbækˌspeɪs /

verb

1. to move a (typewriter carriage) backwards

noun

1. a typewriter key that effects such a movement

Word History and Origins

Origin of backspace¹

back ² + space