noun
- A backward-leaning diagonal line () used in computing and typography, especially in file paths and programming code.
Usage: common in computing; contrasts with forward slash (/)
Examples
- In Windows file paths, folders are separated by a backslash, like C:UsersDocuments.
- The backslash character is used in many programming languages to escape special characters.
- She typed a backslash instead of a forward slash and the link didn't work.
- The backslash key is located next to the Enter key on most keyboards.
- In regular expressions, a backslash indicates that the next character has a special meaning.