hydroelectric

[hahy-droh-i-lek-trik]

adjective

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

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for hydroelectric

Contemporary Examples of 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
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

Historical Examples of hydroelectric

Porter might give it to him in exchange for a guarantee of the hydroelectric post.
Ten From Infinity
Paul W. Fairman
We have made tremendous public investments in highways, hydroelectric power projects, soil conservation, and reclamation.
State of the Union Addresses of Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman
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
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
The other ten per cent according to the Commission's plan will be hydroelectric power.
The Coming of Coal
Robert W. Bruere

British Dictionary definitions for hydroelectric

hydroelectric

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

adj.

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

hydroelectric in Science

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.