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
Russian independent online outlet Astra reported that a chemical plant and a hydroelectric plant in Novomoskovsk were attacked and caught fire.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
All 21 of Pakistan's hydroelectric plants are located within the basin.
—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
Once established, the mollusks are extremely difficult to eradicate and can damage drinking water systems, irrigation infrastructure and hydroelectric facilities while disrupting native aquatic ecosystems.
—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
The Champlain Hudson Power Express is now delivering hydroelectric energy from Quebec to Queens.
—
Olivia Raimonde,
Bloomberg,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
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ABC News,
26 June 2026
All 21 of Pakistan's hydroelectric plants are located within the basin.
—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
Once established, the mollusks are extremely difficult to eradicate and can damage drinking water systems, irrigation infrastructure and hydroelectric facilities while disrupting native aquatic ecosystems.
—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
The Champlain Hudson Power Express is now delivering hydroelectric energy from Quebec to Queens.
—
Olivia Raimonde,
Bloomberg,
8 June 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 2 Jul. 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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