Category:Backwater

Back"wa`ter, n. Etym: [Back, a. or adv. + -ward. ]

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.

2. An accumulation of water overflowing the low lands, caused by an obstruction.

3. Water thrown back by the turning of a waterwheel, or by the paddle wheels of a steamer.