hydraulic

adjective hy·drau·lic \ hī-ˈdrȯ-lik \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of hydraulic

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

—

hydraulically

play \hī-ˈdrȯ-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Recent Examples of hydraulic from the Web

The airline has had a significantly higher number of events — which may include, but are not limited to, engine failures, smoke/fumes in the cabin, hydraulic system failure and depressurization — for an airline its size compared to other operators.

— john cox, USA TODAY, "A pilot’s perspective: Yes, it’s safe to fly on Allegiant Air," 18 Apr. 2018
One excavator pounded on the wall with a hydraulic hammer as a second excavator clawed at the wall and its reinforcing steel bars to knock down each column of the aging frame supporting the floodgates.

— don behm, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Estabrook Park dam floodgates fall to demolition crew," 18 Apr. 2018
Swimmers and sun-worshippers were enjoying Deerfield Beach’s shore on a sparkling day in mid-March when a slick of hydraulic oil marred the water.

— anne geggis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Aerial photos show how a few gallons of hydraulic oil slicked across span of coast," 16 Apr. 2018
Firefighters used hydraulic rams and wood cribbing to help free the woman's arm, the fire department said in a Facebook post.

— robert rhoden, NOLA.com, "Woman injured after being pinned between 18-wheelers at Slidell truck stop," 12 Apr. 2018
FourWinds bought and sold sand used in hydraulic fracking for oil production.

— patrick danner, San Antonio Express-News, "FourWinds’ bankruptcy trustee wins judgment against investor," 6 Apr. 2018
Mechanical and hydraulic systems in the lagoons are also activated and controlled from the CLCC, for constant monitoring and operation of the lagoons to ensure excellent water quality.

— kaila contreras, Houston Chronicle, "Construction update: Balmoral's crystal lagoon on track to open this summer," 6 Apr. 2018
Karl Stoltze used to insist on hauling his shrimp pots up from the ocean floor by hand, rather than with a hydraulic block.

— nathaniel herz, Anchorage Daily News, "An Anchorage man left Whittier to harvest crab for Easter. He’s still missing.," 3 Apr. 2018
The drivetrain is 11-speed Shimano, brakes are hydraulic discs with 180mm rotors, and the front suspension fork from RockShox offers 120mm of travel.

— ty brookhart, Outside Online, "Yamaha Just Launched Its First Electric Bicycles," 3 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hydraulic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.

Origin and Etymology of hydraulic

Latin hydraulicus, from Greek hydraulikos, from hydraulis hydraulic organ, from hydr- + aulos reed instrument — more at alveolus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1661

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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HYDRAULIC Defined for English Language Learners

hydraulic

adjective

Definition of hydraulic for English Language Learners

: operated by the pressure of a fluid
: occurring or used in a hydraulic system

HYDRAULIC Defined for Kids

hydraulic

adjective hy·drau·lic \ hī-ˈdrȯ-lik \

Definition of hydraulic for Students

1 : operated, moved, or brought about by means of water

hydraulic pressure

2 : operated by liquid forced through a small hole or through a tube

hydraulic brakes

—

hydraulically

\-li-kə-lē\ adverb

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Spanish Central: Translation of hydraulic Nglish: Translation of hydraulic for Spanish speakers

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hydraulic

Definition of hydraulic

hydraulically

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Origin and Etymology of hydraulic

HYDRAULIC Defined for English Language Learners

hydraulic

Definition of hydraulic for English Language Learners

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hydraulic

Definition of hydraulic for Students

hydraulically

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hydraulic

Definition of hydraulic

hydraulically

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Origin and Etymology of hydraulic

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hydraulic

Definition of hydraulic for English Language Learners

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hydraulic

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