hydroelectric
adjective
hy·dro·elec·tric
ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik 
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
constructed a hydroelectric power plant at the dam site
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The prime component of most hydroelectric systems is a dam. A high dam funnels water downward at high pressure to spin turbines, which in turn drive generators to produce high-voltage electricity. Mountainous countries with rushing rivers can produce the most hydroelectricity. Though hydroelectricity comes from a clean and completely renewable energy source, dams disrupt natural systems in a way that disturbs environmentalists.
Examples of hydroelectric in a Sentence
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Energy derived from replenishable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric aim to reduce externalities tied to fossil fuels.
—
Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
In Spain, for example, where solar, wind, and hydroelectric power feature more prominently than in other European countries, electricity costs have remained relatively low.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Nevertheless, from the 1950s into the 1980s, Brazil grew the most capable hydroelectric dam contractors in the world.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Those bonds will be repaid with property taxes and with any revenue generated from selling power from the dams' hydroelectric plants, which can resume operating once the lakes are full.
—Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Mar. 2026
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Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
In Spain, for example, where solar, wind, and hydroelectric power feature more prominently than in other European countries, electricity costs have remained relatively low.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Nevertheless, from the 1950s into the 1980s, Brazil grew the most capable hydroelectric dam contractors in the world.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Those bonds will be repaid with property taxes and with any revenue generated from selling power from the dams' hydroelectric plants, which can resume operating once the lakes are full.
—Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
Cite this Entry
“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hydroelectric
adjective
hy·dro·elec·tric
ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
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