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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

  • hydroelectricity noun

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.

The hydroelectric facility is meant to power the second phase, bringing the data center to hit 1.5 GW capacity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

It now owns 21 nuclear reactors, more than 50 natural gas power plants, hydroelectric dams, and geothermal plants.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

He compared the process to a hydroelectric system.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

He transitioned into a key negotiator with stakeholders including tribes and the federal government, leading to the takedown of four hydroelectric dams.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

It’s an enormous power line stretching across eleven hundred miles of jungle, connecting hydroelectric dams below Léopoldville to the distant southern mining region of Shaba.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver