hydroelectric

adjective

hy·​dro·​elec·​tric ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik How to pronounce hydroelectric (audio)
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
constructed a hydroelectric power plant at the dam site
hydroelectrically adverb
hydroelectricity noun

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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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Two months ago, the last of the four decades-old hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River targeted for removal were taken down — opening the river to salmon that had been spawning in those waters for thousands of years before the dams were erected for electrical power. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 But in recent years, drought conditions have pushed down the amount of hydroelectric power produced in the state. Nadja Popovich, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2024 Romer added that there are two more benefits to owning a vacation home here that most people don't know about: relatively inexpensive electricity provided by the local hydroelectric dams and the widespread availability of high-speed fiber optic internet. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024 The ceremony celebrated the dam’s role in providing flood control, irrigation and hydroelectric power to the southwestern United States. The Arizona Republic, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hydroelectric 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydroelectric was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near hydroelectric

Cite this Entry

“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hydroelectric

adjective
hy·​dro·​elec·​tric ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik How to pronounce hydroelectric (audio)
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
hydroelectricity noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hydroelectric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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