'Backwater' definitions:

Definition of 'backwater'

(from WordNet)
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"
noun
A place or condition in which no development or progress is occurring; "the country is an economic backwater"

Definition of 'Backwater'

From: GCIDE
  • Backwater \Back"wa`ter\, n. [Back, a. or adv. + -water. ]
  • 1. Water turned back in its course by an obstruction, an opposing current, or the flow of the tide, as in a sewer or river channel, or across a river bar. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. An accumulation of water overflowing the low lands, caused by an obstruction. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Water thrown back by the turning of a waterwheel, or by the paddle wheels of a steamer. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'backwater'

From: Moby Thesaurus