backwater

Noun

1. The water held back by a dam or other obstruction.
2. (figuratively, idiomatic, usually) A remote place: somewhere that remains unaffected by new events, progresses, ideas, etc; any field of endeavor that figuratively resembles such a place.
3. A rowing stroke in which the oar is pushed forward to stop the boat; see back water
4. Water used in the papermaking process. Recycled to reduce usage of fresh water, and usually containing residual amounts of chemicals and fibres.

Verb

1. To row or paddle a backwater stroke.
2. (idiomatic) To vacillate on a long-held position.

Etymology

From back + water.

Synonyms

creek

hinterland

cove

deposit

estuary

pond

pool

seclusion

sediment

stagnant water

stagnation

back country

dead-and-alive hole

rus in urbe

slack tide

back-water

Hicksville

hicksville

god forsaken hole

god forsaken dump

abandoned

poky hole

bay

Translations

patelin

remanso

marigot

trou

🕳️

Stauwasser

ilgisizlik

durgunluk

Kaff

ensenada

anse

trou perdu

bled

Buxtehude

bras mort

mare