Although
MoJoe's definition is certainly far more interesting than mine, I have always known a
backsplash to be the area directly behind the faucet of a
sink where the counter material is extended vertically about 4" - 5" to prevent
wayward water from destroying the
juncture of the counter & the wall. On freestanding sinks, such as the industrial types found in
food service areas, the backsplash keeps water off the
floor, so it could also be considered a
safety precaution.