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

Derived Forms

• nonhydraulic
  adjective
• hydraulically
  adverb
• 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

Forrest reckons the first hydraulic home will be available by 2030.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The passageway is accessed using a “sophisticated hydraulic lift” and extends from Otay Mesa, underneath the U.S.-Mexico border and into Tijuana.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

After it was determined the last-minute glitches could not be addressed in time, Musk quickly posted on X that "the hydraulic pin holding the tower arm in place did not retract."

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

So the idea that there would be madcap antics between the captains of the steel-hulled crab boats, with their enormous holds, hydraulic cranes and steel decks, seems silly.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Under the nearest hydraulic lift, which was holding a ’98 Toyota Corolla, a pair of legs stuck out—the lower half of a huge man in grubby gray pants and shoes even bigger than Tyson’s.

From "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan