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

• nonhydraulic
  adjective
• unhydraulic
  adjective
• hydraulically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of hydraulic

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

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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

See Examples For:

hydraulic

The acquisition of Collins, a hydraulic systems specialist, has allowed Safran to combine that expertise with its own strengths in electrical systems.

From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026

Logs dangle like toothpicks from machines with hydraulic claws, and the whole scene is enveloped in dust.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fifth fastest, but did not get a lap on the fastest soft-compound tyres after stopping on track with a hydraulic leak.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

Using heavy equipment including "drilling machines, excavators, hydraulic cutters, and other equipment" on Sunday, they drilled four holes before rescuers descended by rope into the crater.

From Barron's ● Aug. 30, 2026

The computers were passing underneath a bizarre machine—cantilevers, wires, and hydraulic arms.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz

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