Associations to the word «Backwater»

Wiktionary

BACKWATER, noun. The water held back by a dam or other obstruction
BACKWATER, noun. (idiomatic) A remote place; somewhere that remains unaffected by new events, progresses, ideas, etc.
BACKWATER, noun. A rowing stroke in which the oar is pushed forward to stop the boat; see back water
BACKWATER, verb. To row or paddle a backwater stroke.
BACKWATER, verb. (idiomatic) To vacillate on a long-held position.

Dictionary definition

BACKWATER, noun. A body of water that was created by a flood or tide or by being held or forced back by a dam; "the bayous and backwaters are breeding grounds for mosquitos".
BACKWATER, noun. A place or condition in which no development or progress is occurring; "the country is an economic backwater".

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats