hydroelectric

[hahy-droh-i-lek-trik]

adjective

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

hydroelectric

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• hydroelectricity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydroelectric¹

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

Example Sentences

To fully electrify the economy, the New Deal dotted the U.S. with massive hydroelectric projects like the Fort Peck Dam and delivered cheap power to farms through the Rural Electrification Administration.

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Supporters say this would give businesses certainty by preventing delays that have plagued projects, including hydroelectric dams for clean energy, or rail lines to transport grain.

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Yates and other whitewater enthusiasts, including some who run rafting businesses, are demanding changes in the hydroelectric plant’s operations to leave more water in the river.

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The only way for the state to reach “net zero” emissions, he said, is an “all-of-the-above” approach that includes solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear power and oil and gas.

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Back then demand was much lower, and hydroelectric power stations contributed a significant share.

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