hydraulic

[hahy-draw-lik, -drol-ik]

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.

hydraulic

/ 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

hydraulic

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.

hydraulic

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.

Other Word Forms

• hydraulically adverb
• nonhydraulic adjective
• unhydraulic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydraulic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydraulic¹

C17: from Latin hydraulicus of a water organ, from Greek hudraulikos, from hudraulos water organ, from _hydro- + aulos pipe, reed instrument

Example Sentences

The technology uses the bobbing floaters to compress pistons, which push hydraulic fluid into storage tanks located nearby on land.

From Los Angeles Times

Overall, you’re so caught up observing the experience itself that the emotions of the story don’t register as anything more than theme-ride hydraulics.

From Los Angeles Times

Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, has been banned many times by different prime ministers since 2011, amid concerns about earthquakes and the impact to the environment.

From BBC

Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, has been banned many times by different prime ministers since 2011 over concerns about earthquakes and environmental impacts.

From BBC

A drone team was on site alongside three hydraulic aerial platforms and high-volume pump team, it added.

From BBC