backup

(-up′)

or back-up

adjective

  1. standing by as an alternate or auxiliary: a backup pilot
  2. supporting: a backup effort

noun

  1. the act or result of backing up; specif.,
    1. an accumulation because of a stoppage
    2. a support or help
  2. Bowling a ball that follows a path opposite to that of a hook
    in full backup ball

See backup in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. A reserve or substitute.
    b. Computer Science A copy of a program or file that is stored separately from the original.
  2. a. Support or backing.
    b. Music A background accompaniment, as for a performer.
  3. An overflow or accumulation caused by clogging or by a stoppage: a backup in the sink; a backup of traffic at the drawbridge.
adjective
Extra; standby: a backup pilot.

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