backgrounding

backgrounding

1. present participle and gerund of background

backgrounding (usually uncountable, plural backgroundings)

1. The act by which something is backgrounded, in any sense.
   • 1992, Applied Psycholinguistics, volumes 13-14, page 116:

     For example, in backgroundings, the causal connective does not introduce causes, motives, or norms, but rather, whatever items of information enable the recipient to "understand better" the speaker's claim.

2. An intermediate stage in cattle production, between weaning and placement in a feedlot, during which the calf's weight and immunity are significantly increased by feeding with forage and grains.

• backgrounder