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
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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
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Already, federal officials predict water levels could fall so low at Lake Powell by August that water will no longer flow through the intake tubes for Glen Canyon Dam’s hydroelectric turbines.
—
Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
Renewable and clean energy sources such as solar, wind or hydroelectric present fewer concerns.
—Neil Strebig, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 2026
In the first two months of 2026, there have been over 200 attacks on energy infrastructure across Ukraine, damaging thermal and hydroelectric plants and causing prolonged electricity outages.
—Neringa Klumbytė, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
The burst pipe, which had been under repair for months, conveyed water from a mountainous tunnel filled by New Bullards Bar Reservoir downhill into the hydroelectric station, operated by Yuba Water.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
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Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
Renewable and clean energy sources such as solar, wind or hydroelectric present fewer concerns.
—Neil Strebig, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 2026
In the first two months of 2026, there have been over 200 attacks on energy infrastructure across Ukraine, damaging thermal and hydroelectric plants and causing prolonged electricity outages.
—Neringa Klumbytė, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
The burst pipe, which had been under repair for months, conveyed water from a mountainous tunnel filled by New Bullards Bar Reservoir downhill into the hydroelectric station, operated by Yuba Water.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
Cite this Entry
“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hydroelectric
adjective
hy·dro·elec·tric
ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
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