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
Unlike its hydraulic predecessors, this version is powered by a fully electric system with all-electric actuators.
—
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The rechristened Top Thrill 2 replaced the Intamin hydraulic launch system with a Zamperla electro-magnetic propulsion launch system in 2024 — but the ride only operated for about a week before the park closed the coaster again due to mechanical issues.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
The final solution employs a traditional hydraulic steering box fed by an electric pump that varies pressure based on an angle sensor on the steering column.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
Disc brakes with hydraulic systems should be checked for leaks.
—George Petras, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydraulic
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Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The rechristened Top Thrill 2 replaced the Intamin hydraulic launch system with a Zamperla electro-magnetic propulsion launch system in 2024 — but the ride only operated for about a week before the park closed the coaster again due to mechanical issues.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
The final solution employs a traditional hydraulic steering box fed by an electric pump that varies pressure based on an angle sensor on the steering column.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
Disc brakes with hydraulic systems should be checked for leaks.
—George Petras, USA Today, 2 Apr. 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 2 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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