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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.

For the European equivalent of Constellation Energy, a power producer that owns scarce clean nuclear and hydroelectric power, Bielawski points to Finnish utility Fortum.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From BBC • May 20, 2026

But there are currently 3,700 new hydroelectric facilities planned or under construction around the world, so scientists say it’s important to thoroughly analyze the long-term climate footprint of each project.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Switzerland has a more diverse energy mix—including nuclear and hydroelectric power—compared with other countries, and fixed electricity prices for consumers set once a year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Unlike fossil fuels, wind, solar, and hydroelectric systems generate electricity with no associated air pollution emissions.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

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