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hydraulic

adjective hy·drau·lic \ hī-ˈdrȯ-lik \
|Updated on: 16 Jun 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

See hydraulic defined for English-language learners

See hydraulic defined for kids

Recent Examples of hydraulic from the Web

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

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

Learn More about hydraulic

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

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hydraulic

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