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hydroelectric

American  
[hahy-droh-i-lek-trik] / ˌhaɪ droʊ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

adjective

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


hydroelectric British  
/ ˌhaɪdrəʊɪlɛkˈtrɪsɪtɪ, -ˌiːlɛk-, ˌhaɪdrəʊɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

  1. generated by the pressure of falling water

    hydroelectric power

  2. of or concerned with the generation of electricity by water pressure

    a hydroelectric scheme

"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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of hydroelectric

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

Vocabulary lists containing hydroelectric

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mamman was found guilty on 12 counts related to the diversion of funds meant for two hydroelectric power projects.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

And in 2024 Ecuador experienced a severe drought, which brought on daily power outages up to 14 hours a day because the hydroelectric dams didn’t have enough water to generate electricity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

"There is no scenario in which we can be dependent," he said on a visit to a hydroelectric dam in eastern France.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

He compared the process to a hydroelectric system.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

The hydroelectric dam began a tragic turn of events for all the peasants, but especially for the women of the central plateau, Farmer said from the podium.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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