backlog

Meanings

Noun

• A large log to burn at the back of a fire.
• A reserve source or supply.
• An accumulation or buildup, especially of unfilled orders, unconsumed products or unfinished work.
• A log containing text previously read, as in text-based video games or chat rooms.

Verb

• To acquire something as a backlog, or to become a backlog

Origin

• back + log. 1680s; originally a large log at the back of a fire. Figurative sense from 1880s, meaning "something stored up for later use". Possibly influenced by logbook as well.