hydraulic

[ hahy-draw-lik, -drol-ik ]

adjective

1. operated by, moved by, or employing water or other liquids in motion.
2. operated by the pressure created by forcing water, oil, or another liquid through a comparatively narrow pipe or orifice.
3. of or relating to water or other liquids in motion.
4. of or relating to hydraulics.
5. hardening under water, as a cement.

hydraulic

/ haɪˈdrɒlɪk /

adjective

1. operated by pressure transmitted through a pipe by a liquid, such as water or oil
2. of, concerned with, or employing liquids in motion
3. of or concerned with hydraulics
4. hardening under water

   hydraulic cement

hydraulic

/ hī-drô′lĭk /

1. Operated by the pressure of water or other liquids. Hydraulic systems, such as hydraulic brakes, allow mechanical force to be transferred along curved paths (through pipes or tubes) that would be difficult for solid mechanisms, such as levers or cables, to negotiate efficiently.
2. Relating to hydraulics.
3. Capable of hardening under water, as cement.

hydraulic

1. A descriptive term for a system operated or moved by a fluid . The hydraulic jack, in which force is transmitted from a handle by means of a heavy oil, is probably the most familiar hydraulic device.

Derived Forms

• hyˈdraulically, adverb

Other Words From

• hy·drauli·cal·ly adverb
• nonhy·draulic adjective
• unhy·draulic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydraulic¹

1620–30; < Latin hydraulicus < Greek hydraulikós of a water organ. See hydraulus, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydraulic¹

C17: from Latin hydraulicus of a water organ, from Greek hudraulikos, from hudraulos water organ, from hydro- + aulos pipe, reed instrument

Example Sentences

In a note of particular concern to some in the state, he raised doubts about whether Harris would continue to allow hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, to extract oil and gas.

From Los Angeles Times

Two other people were still trapped in the car, and firefighters were able to use hydraulic rescue tools to free them.

From Los Angeles Times

They had several commercial uses, including in transformers and capacitors, oil used in motors and hydraulic systems, cable insulation, oil-based paint, caulking and plastics.

From Los Angeles Times

Used by emergency personnel after serious car crashes, the hydraulic tool pries open or cuts through wreckage to rescue someone inside.

From Los Angeles Times

It was midday, Holden said, and he had just been served a drink when all of a sudden the hydraulic system failed, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in New Jersey.

From Los Angeles Times