backfill

== English == === Alternative forms === back-fill === Etymology === From back +‎ fill. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈbækfɪl/ === Verb === backfill (third-person singular simple present backfills, present participle backfilling, simple past and past participle backfilled) To refill a hole with the material dug out of it. (archaeology) To refill an excavation unit to restore the former ground surface and/or to preserve the unit and make it recognizable as having been excavated. We backfilled the cistern with pea gravel to discourage its use as a refuse container. (US) To provide reserve support. (US) To replenish or restock due to attrition or loss. (gaming) To enter an online game that's already in progress, replacing a player who left early. ==== Translations ==== === Noun === backfill (countable and uncountable, plural backfills) The material that has been used to refill an excavation. (US) Reserve support personnel. (US) That which backfills; a replacement. (literature) Material in a story set earlier in the past, providing history or context for the current action. ==== Derived terms ==== backfill bias