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
Recent Examples on the Web
The country has seen several nationwide power cuts linked to the El Niño phenomenon drying up rivers that fuel its hydroelectric power plants.
—
Max Saltman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Senior hydroelectric power utility engineer | Permanent, full-time Department: Water Resources
Salary: $11,104 to $13,898 per month
The engineer is responsible for developing, negotiating and managing high and medium voltage transmission contracts for the State Water Project.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
This week, Duke Energy invited The Charlotte Observer and other media outlets to tour the hydroelectric system, showcasing enormous energy generating units and the floodgates that protect dam integrity between Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman.
—Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
The Department of Energy loan comes as a financial boon for the utility recovering from bankruptcy and facing pressure to limit rate It is expected to fund projects for hydroelectric infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects and transmission investments.
—Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
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Max Saltman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Senior hydroelectric power utility engineer | Permanent, full-time Department: Water Resources
Salary: $11,104 to $13,898 per month
The engineer is responsible for developing, negotiating and managing high and medium voltage transmission contracts for the State Water Project.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
This week, Duke Energy invited The Charlotte Observer and other media outlets to tour the hydroelectric system, showcasing enormous energy generating units and the floodgates that protect dam integrity between Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman.
—Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
The Department of Energy loan comes as a financial boon for the utility recovering from bankruptcy and facing pressure to limit rate It is expected to fund projects for hydroelectric infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects and transmission investments.
—Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
Cite this Entry
“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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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