hydraulic
adjective
hy·drau·lic
hī-ˈdrȯ-lik 
1
: operated, moved, or effected by means of water
2
a
: of or relating to hydraulics
hydraulic engineer
b
: of or relating to water or other liquid in motion
hydraulic erosion
3
: operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid (such as water or oil) is forced through a comparatively small orifice or through a tube
hydraulic brakes
4
: hardening or setting under water
hydraulic cement
Did you know?
By means of a hydraulic lift, the driver can lift the bed of a dump truck with the touch of a button. He might also repair the hydraulic steering, the hydraulic brake, or the hydraulic clutch—all of which, like the lift that holds everything up, take advantage of the way liquids act under pressure. Somewhat like a pulley or a lever, a hydraulic system magnifies the effect of moderate pressure exerted over a longer distance into powerful energy for a shorter distance.
Examples of hydraulic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Stopping power shapes up as dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes with motor cutoff, sporting a 203-mm rotor to the rear and 180 up front.
—
New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025
This was due to a hydraulic issue with the ground systems that handle the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A in Florida.
—Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
What To Know The launch was initially scheduled for Wednesday, but SpaceX called it off after mission controllers were unable to solve a hydraulic issue with a clamp arm that holds the rocket before takeoff.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
This model combines performance and affordability with features like a torque sensor for a more natural ride feel, hydraulic brakes, and a sturdy frame.
—Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydraulic
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New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025
This was due to a hydraulic issue with the ground systems that handle the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A in Florida.
—Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
What To Know The launch was initially scheduled for Wednesday, but SpaceX called it off after mission controllers were unable to solve a hydraulic issue with a clamp arm that holds the rocket before takeoff.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
This model combines performance and affordability with features like a torque sensor for a more natural ride feel, hydraulic brakes, and a sturdy frame.
—Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydraulic
Cite this Entry
“Hydraulic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydraulic. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hydraulic
adjective
hy·drau·lic
hī-ˈdrȯ-lik
1
: operated, moved, or brought about by means of water
2
: of or relating to hydraulics
hydraulic engineer
3
: operated by pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid is forced through a small hole or through a tube
hydraulic brakes
4
: hardening or setting under water
hydraulic cement
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