backwater

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

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.