hydroelectric

adjective

hy·​dro·​elec·​tric ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik 

: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower

constructed a hydroelectric power plant at the dam site

hydroelectrically

ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hydroelectricity

ˌhī-drō-i-ˌlek-ˈtri-sə-tē 

-ˈtri-stē

noun

Did you know?

The prime component of most hydroelectric systems is a dam. A high dam funnels water downward at high pressure to spin turbines, which in turn drive generators to produce high-voltage electricity. Mountainous countries with rushing rivers can produce the most hydroelectricity. Though hydroelectricity comes from a clean and completely renewable energy source, dams disrupt natural systems in a way that disturbs environmentalists.

Examples of hydroelectric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Analysts point out that on one hand, droughts can hamper hydroelectric generation, while high temperatures raise cooling demand and strain power grids. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Placing the reactors next to existing hydropower stations on the Dalälven river creates a generation hub where baseload nuclear power pairs with adjustable hydroelectric output. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

The twin springs that gave the Revolutionary War battle its name are no more, inundated by the 1940s project that flooded the Santee River basin for hydroelectric power and flood control. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Lake Powell and Lake Mead are a source of drinking and agricultural water along with hydroelectric power, storing water from the Colorado River. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydroelectric

• nonelectric
• bioelectric
• ferroelectric
• isoelectric
• photoelectric
• pyroelectric
• thermoelectric
• dielectric
• electric
• piezoelectric

Kids Definition

hydroelectric

adjective

hy·​dro·​elec·​tric ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik 

: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower

hydroelectricity

-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē 

-ˈtris-tē

noun