What does backband mean?
Backband has an everyday and a technical use. In its everyday sense, it means a band worn across the back of the head, usually to secure hair or support a hairstyle. The word is less general than headband because it emphasizes the band's position rather than simply its use. In radio communication, a backband is a sideband transmitted below the carrier frequency; it is also called a lower sideband. This technical meaning is uncommon compared with the more widely used upper sideband, but it is well established in radio terminology. The compound structure of the word makes its basic sense transparent: it identifies a band at the back. Although less common than synonyms such as headband in ordinary speech, backband is precise and useful, especially when describing a hair accessory or the lower component of a modulated radio signal.
nounA band worn at the back of the head, especially to secure hair or support a hairstyle. In radio terminology, a backband is a sideband transmitted below the carrier frequency, also called a lower sideband.
- A band worn at the back of the head to hold hair in place or support a hairstyle.
- In radio communication, a sideband transmitted at a frequency below the carrier frequency.
"She gathered her hair into a low bun and secured it with a velvet backband."
"She gathered her hair into a low bun and secured it with a velvet backband."
"The radio operator adjusted the transmitter so the voice signal occupied the backband below the carrier frequency."
The plural is used when referring to multiple hair bands or to multiple lower sidebands in radio usage.
"The shop sells plain backbands in black, brown, and navy."
A radio backband puts the signal below its carrier, making “back” a directional pun rather than a place.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does backband come from?
Backband is an English compound of back and band. Band comes through French bande from Late Latin banda, a strip or binding. The compound was used for a band at the back of the head before the radio sense arose, when it came to denote the sideband below the carrier frequency. Its relatives include bandeau, bandage, and bandolier, whose forms also ultimately derive from Latin words associated with a strip or band.
Related word forms
How backband is actually used
The everyday sense is relatively uncommon compared with headband and is especially associated with hair accessories. In radio usage, backband is a specialist term and is less common than upper sideband.
Easily confused with backband
A backband is a band worn or positioned behind the head, whereas a backbend is a posture that bends the body backward.