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

hydraulically

hī-ˈdrȯ-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

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

Conservationists need large hydraulic tree spades to scoop up the plants and their surrounding dirt. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024

There's also a lane-keeping warning but no lane-keeping assist; McLaren is sticking with hydraulic power steering for now, much to the delight of anyone who enjoys good steering feel. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 June 2024

Around him were signs of attentive upkeep: new hoses, valves and a hydraulic pump; fresh upholstery on the wheelhouse bench; a new computer monitor connected to a satellite navigation system. —C.j. Chivers James Patrick Cronin Elena Hecht Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 6 June 2024

The building will break from the basement foundation before it’s placed on large hydraulic dollies to move to the new location. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hydraulic

• hydraulic fracturing

Kids 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

hydraulically

-ˈdrȯ-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb