hydroelectric

[ hahy-droh-i-lek-trik ]

/ ˌhaɪ droʊ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

adjective

pertaining to the generation and distribution of electricity derived from the energy of falling water or any other hydraulic source.

Nearby words

Origin of hydroelectric

First recorded in 1825–35; hydro-¹ + electric

Related formshy·dro·e·lec·tric·i·ty

[hahy-droh-i-lek-tris-i-tee, -ee-lek-] /ˌhaɪ droʊ ɪ lɛkˈtrɪs ɪ ti, -ˌi lɛk-/, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for hydroelectric

We made big things like steel for ships and tractors and turbines for hydroelectric plants.
Christmas Is the New Subprime|Doug McIntyre|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To make a living, he gets a job as a manager at a hydroelectric plant.
Nothing Was Banal About Eichmann’s Evil, Says a Scathing New Biography|Michael Signer|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The rivers have a high potential for the generation of hydroelectric power.
Area Handbook for Romania|Eugene K. Keefe, Donald W. Bernier, Lyle E. Brenneman, William Giloane, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole
We shall then have an opportunity that never before has been given us to develop the hydroelectric possibilities of the country.
Conservation Through Engineering|Franklin K. Lane

Hydroelectric capacity development had been relatively more rapid, with a sixfold increase during the decade.
Area Handbook for Romania|Eugene K. Keefe, Donald W. Bernier, Lyle E. Brenneman, William Giloane, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole
Output per unit of thermal capacity was more than double that of hydroelectric generators.
Area Handbook for Romania|Eugene K. Keefe, Donald W. Bernier, Lyle E. Brenneman, William Giloane, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole
Development of other methods show that nitrates can probably be produced at less cost than by the use of hydroelectric power.
State of the Union Addresses of Calvin Coolidge|Calvin Coolidge

British Dictionary definitions for hydroelectric

hydroelectric

/ (ˌhaɪdrəʊɪˈlɛktrɪk) /

adjective

generated by the pressure of falling waterhydroelectric power

of or concerned with the generation of electricity by water pressurea hydroelectric scheme

Derived Formshydroelectricity (ˌhaɪdrəʊɪlɛkˈtrɪsɪtɪ, -ˌiːlɛk-), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for hydroelectric

hydroelectric

adj.

1827, formed in English from hydro- + electric. Related: Hydroelectricity.

Science definitions for hydroelectric

hydroelectric

[ hī′drō-ĭ-lĕk′trĭk ]

Using the power of water currents to generate electric power. Generally, hydroelectric power is created by directing water flow through a turbine, where the water causes fans to turn, creating the torque needed to drive an electric generator.