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hydroelectric

American  
[hahy-droh-i-lek-trik] / ˌhaɪ droʊ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

adjective

  1. pertaining to the generation and distribution of electricity derived from the energy of falling water or any other hydraulic source.


hydroelectric British  
/ ˌhaɪdrəʊɪlɛkˈtrɪsɪtɪ, -ˌiːlɛk-, ˌhaɪdrəʊɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

  1. generated by the pressure of falling water

    hydroelectric power

  2. of or concerned with the generation of electricity by water pressure

    a hydroelectric scheme

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of hydroelectric

First recorded in 1825–35; hydro- 1 + electric

Vocabulary lists containing hydroelectric

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mamman was found guilty on 12 counts related to the diversion of funds meant for two hydroelectric power projects.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

But there are currently 3,700 new hydroelectric facilities planned or under construction around the world, so scientists say it’s important to thoroughly analyze the long-term climate footprint of each project.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

The Syrian military said Sunday that it was in control of the Euphrates Dam and that government technicians were moving in to hand control of its water and hydroelectric facilities to the government in Damascus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

It now owns 21 nuclear reactors, more than 50 natural gas power plants, hydroelectric dams, and geothermal plants.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

For the other eight months he returned to the central plateau of Haiti, doctoring impoverished patients, many of whom had lost their land to a government hydroelectric dam project.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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