hydroelectric

[ hahy-droh-i-lek-trik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to the generation and distribution of electricity derived from the energy of falling water or any other hydraulic source.

hydroelectric

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊɪlɛkˈtrɪsɪtɪ; -ˌiːlɛk-; ˌhaɪdrəʊɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

1. generated by the pressure of falling water

   hydroelectric power

2. of or concerned with the generation of electricity by water pressure

   a hydroelectric scheme

Derived Forms

• hydroelectricity, noun

Other Words From

• hy·dro·e·lec·tric·i·ty [hahy-droh-i-lek-, tris, -i-tee, -ee-lek-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydroelectric¹

First recorded in 1825–35; hydro- ¹ + electric

Example Sentences

The hydroelectric dams, which were built between 1912 and the 1960s, not only blocked salmon from reaching spawning areas but also degraded the river’s water quality, contributing to toxic algae blooms and disease outbreaks that at times killed masses of fish.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Addis Ababa and Cairo have been at loggerheads for more than a decade over Ethiopia's construction of a vast hydroelectric dam on the River Nile.

From BBC

At least 80% of Ukraine's thermal power and one third of its hydroelectric power generation has been destroyed in Russian attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in June.

From BBC

Zelensky said in his speech on Wednesday that Russia had destroyed all of Ukraine’s thermal power plants and a large part of its hydroelectric capacity as a way to “torment” Ukrainians ahead of winter.

From BBC

Meanwhile, Addis Ababa and Cairo have been at loggerheads for more than a decade over Ethiopia's construction of a vast hydroelectric dam on the River Nile.

From BBC