hydraulic

American  

[hahy-draw-lik, -drol-ik] / haɪˈdrɔ lɪk, -ˈdrɒl ɪk /

adjective

1. operated by, moved by, or employing water or other liquids in motion.

2. operated by the pressure created by forcing water, oil, or another liquid through a comparatively narrow pipe or orifice.

3. of or relating to water or other liquids in motion.

4. of or relating to hydraulics.

5. hardening under water, as a cement.

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hydraulic British  

/ haɪˈdrɒlɪk /

adjective

1. operated by pressure transmitted through a pipe by a liquid, such as water or oil

2. of, concerned with, or employing liquids in motion

3. of or concerned with hydraulics

4. hardening under water

   hydraulic cement

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hydraulic Scientific  

/ hī-drô′lĭk /

1. Operated by the pressure of water or other liquids. Hydraulic systems, such as hydraulic brakes, allow mechanical force to be transferred along curved paths (through pipes or tubes) that would be difficult for solid mechanisms, such as levers or cables, to negotiate efficiently.

2. Relating to hydraulics.

3. Capable of hardening under water, as cement.

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hydraulic Cultural  

1. A descriptive term for a system operated or moved by a fluid. The hydraulic jack, in which force is transmitted from a handle by means of a heavy oil, is probably the most familiar hydraulic device.

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Other Word Forms

• hydraulically adverb
• nonhydraulic adjective
• unhydraulic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hydraulic

1620–30; < Latin hydraulicus < Greek hydraulikós of a water organ. See hydraulus, -ic

Example Sentences

But despite its water-sensitive glues and exposed hydraulics, the seahorse completed its route intact.

From Los Angeles Times

In most standard hydraulic systems, fluid becomes syrupy and can affect everything from aircraft controls to missile launchers and radar masts.

From The Wall Street Journal

I think of a lowrider as a certain class of car with custom paint, 13-inch wheels, hydraulics…It’s your own little art piece on wheels.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of the DC-10 passenger plane’s engines fell off during takeoff, damaging hydraulics and causing the crew to lose control of the plane.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both Liberty Energy and ProPetro, best known for their expertise in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, have jumped headlong into the data- center game.

From Barron's