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

Explanation

The adjective hydraulic refers to a process using pressurized water or other fluid to generate great mechanical power, without the wear and tear of gears or levers. Hydraulic systems are popular for use in heavy-duty machinery. It might seem odd that the original Greek word hydraulikós from which hydraulic comes referred to water (hydra) and also to a musical instrument made from a hollow tube (aulos). You might ask, "What's a musical instrument got to do with hydraulics?" Well, you can see the connection when you know that something that's hydraulic means it is operated through the pressure of water or liquid through a pipe or hose, easily generating great force (instead of music).

Example Sentences

Lawson suffered a hydraulic failure and Albon crashed after hitting a groundhog.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

SpaceX plans another Starship launch attempt on Friday after a hydraulic pin issue scrubbed Thursday’s flight.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

“It’s like a hydraulic system. It really is very much like the jacks that push your car up, or something that an excavator might have,” Drew said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Drew, who is also associate director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, compared the process to a hydraulic system.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

When she reached the hydraulic doors, she heard him behind her.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini