hydraulics

American  

[hahy-draw-liks, -drol-iks] / haɪˈdrɔ lɪks, -ˈdrɒl ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science that deals with the laws governing water or other liquids in motion and their applications in engineering; practical or applied hydrodynamics.

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hydraulics British  

/ haɪˈdrɒlɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) another name for fluid mechanics

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hydraulics Scientific  

/ hī-drô′lĭks /

1. The scientific study of water and other liquids, in particular their behavior under the influence of mechanical forces and their related uses in engineering.

2. A mechanical device or system using hydraulic components.

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Etymology

Origin of hydraulics

First recorded in 1665–75; hydraulic, -ics

Example Sentences

It also opens the door to new ways of controlling liquids in applications ranging from hydraulics and 3D printing to blood flow in the body.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Eaton divested its lighting and hydraulics businesses in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

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 • Nov. 20, 2025

"These are missile fragments that damaged the hydraulic system. The plane's controls operate based on hydraulics," veteran Azerbaijani pilot veteran pilot Tahir Agaguliev told Azerbaijani media.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2024

The hydraulics groaned and the bin raised another eight feet.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover