hydraulics

noun

hy·​drau·​lics hī-ˈdrȯ-liks How to pronounce hydraulics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: a branch of science that deals with practical applications (such as the transmission of energy or the effects of flow) of liquid (such as water) in motion

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydraulics was in 1671

Cite this Entry

“Hydraulics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydraulics. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

hydraulics

noun
hy·​drau·​lics hī-ˈdrȯ-liks How to pronounce hydraulics (audio)
: a science that deals with uses of liquid (as water) in motion

Medical Definition

hydraulics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction
hy·​drau·​lics hī-ˈdrȯ-liks How to pronounce hydraulics (audio)
: a branch of science that deals with practical applications (as the transmission of energy or the effects of flow) of liquid (as water) in motion
hydraulic adjective

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