hydraulic

[ hahy-draw-lik, -drol-ik ]
/ haɪˈdrɔ lɪk, -ˈdrɒl ɪk /

adjective

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

Origin of hydraulic

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

OTHER WORDS FROM hydraulic

hy·drau·li·cal·ly, adverb non·hy·drau·lic, adjective un·hy·drau·lic, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for hydraulic

British Dictionary definitions for hydraulic

hydraulic
/ (haɪˈdrɒlɪk) /

adjective

operated by pressure transmitted through a pipe by a liquid, such as water or oil
of, concerned with, or employing liquids in motion
of or concerned with hydraulics
hardening under water hydraulic cement

Derived forms of hydraulic

hydraulically, adverb

Word Origin for hydraulic

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

Scientific definitions for hydraulic

hydraulic
[ hī-drôlĭk ]

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.
Relating to hydraulics.
Capable of hardening under water, as cement.

Cultural definitions for hydraulic

hydraulic

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.