ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: wash out
1.
a. : a channel cut by erosion in one sedimentary deposit and filled with the material of a younger deposit
b. : the washing out or away of earth especially in the bed of a road or railroad by rain or a freshet ; also : a place where the earth is washed away
traffic was delayed by a washout after the storm
c. : wash 3d
2. : the act or process of washing or flushing out a container or pipe ; also : a plumbing device for such process
3.
a. : one that fails to measure up to expectations or requirements : a total loss : failure , flop
the first really hopeful idea he had reached had proved a washout — F.W.Crofts
the failures, the drunks, the washouts, the fellows running away from themselves — Hugh MacLennan
the day was a washout
b. : a person (as a flying cadet or college student) who has been failed out of a course of training or study
c. : the act or fact of failing (as in a course of training or study)
4. : a permanent twist or warp of an airplane wing such that the tip section has a smaller angle of attack than the root section
5. : an emergency signal given by hand or lantern to stop a railroad train