backwater noun 4verb 2forms 3 noun4 •The water held back by a dam or other obstruction.[…] The backwater separates the main line from Hinksey marshalling yards — 1956 •(figurative) A remote place: somewhere that remains unaffected by new events, progresses, ideas, etc; any field of endeavor that figuratively resembles such a place.Usually, however, this line, which once had a monopoly of all the traffic to Bournemouth, is a quiet backwater carrying a purely local traffic. — 1953 •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. verb2 •To row or paddle a backwater stroke. •To vacillate on a long-held position. formsbackwatered · backwatering · backwaters
