backwater

Plural: backwaters

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"
• a place or condition in which no development or progress is occurring
  • "the country is an economic backwater"
• The water held back by a dam or other obstruction.
• A remote place: somewhere that remains unaffected by new events, progresses, ideas, etc; any field of endeavor that figuratively resembles such a place.
• A rowing stroke in which the oar is pushed forward to stop the boat; see back water
• Water used in the papermaking process. Recycled to reduce usage of fresh water, and usually containing residual amounts of chemicals and fibres.

Verb

• To row or paddle a backwater stroke.
• To vacillate on a long-held position.

Examples

• "an academic backwater"

Synonyms

overflow