back water
The term "backwater" can refer to both a type of water body and a metaphor for isolated or underdeveloped areas.
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Definition
B2Geography
(general)A body of water that is stagnant or slow-moving, often away from the main current of a river.
Example
- The canoe drifted into a backwater, where the water was calm and still.
- The backwater was teeming with frogs and other wildlife.
C1Nautical
(technical)To reverse the action of the oars, paddles, or propeller to move a boat or ship backward.
Example
- The captain ordered the crew to backwater to avoid the collision.
- He had to backwater quickly to steer clear of the rocks.
B2Sociology
(metaphorical)A remote or isolated area considered to be culturally or economically undeveloped.
Example
- The village was a backwater, untouched by modern technology.
- She grew up in a rural backwater far from the bustling city.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "back water":
dead waterwhite waterstill waterswamp waterhigh waterlow waterdeep waterrunning waterfirst water