flyback: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “flyback” mean?
1. A quick return to a starting point, especially of a scanning electron beam in a cathode-ray tube.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1. A quick return to a starting point, especially of a scanning electron beam in a cathode-ray tube. 2. A type of power supply circuit or transformer in electronics.
In watchmaking, a complication (a chronograph) where the timing hand can be reset and restarted instantaneously with a single push. In engineering, a mechanism for rapid return of a machine part to its start position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectal differences in meaning. Usage is consistent across technical fields internationally.
Connotations
Neutral technical term.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist domains.
Grammar
How to Use “flyback” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] uses a flyback [NOUN].It features a [ADJ] flyback function.The engineer designed a new flyback.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flyback” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to flyback to zero under those conditions.
- The chronograph hand will flyback instantly.
American English
- The beam will flyback at the end of each line.
- You can flyback the timer with one button.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used except in technical sales for specific industries (e.g., 'This TV's flyback transformer is reliable').
Academic
Used in engineering, electronics, and horology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. An average speaker would not know this word.
Technical
Primary domain. Refers to specific circuits (power supplies), CRT TV/monitor components, or watch complications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flyback”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flyback”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flyback”
- Using 'flyback' in general language to mean 'a flight back'.
- Confusing it with 'flashback'.
- Misspelling as 'fly back' (two words) when referring to the technical term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly technical term used primarily in electronics, engineering, and horology (watchmaking).
No. In standard English, a return flight is simply a 'return flight' or 'flight back'. 'Flyback' as a single word is not used in this general sense.
A special transformer used in CRT televisions and monitors to generate the high voltage needed for the screen and to control the horizontal deflection of the electron beam.
A regular chronograph requires three button presses to time a consecutive event: stop, reset, start. A flyback chronograph can be reset and restarted immediately with a single press of a button while it is running.
1. A quick return to a starting point, especially of a scanning electron beam in a cathode-ray tube.
Flyback is usually technical in register.
Flyback: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflaɪbæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflaɪˌbæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fly fishing line being cast out (the trace) and then snapping BACK to the reel instantly. The fly goes back = flyback.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE JOURNEY: A quick return trip to the origin. THE RESET: An instantaneous restart from zero.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these fields is the term 'flyback' LEAST likely to be used?