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
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Nevertheless, from the 1950s into the 1980s, Brazil grew the most capable hydroelectric dam contractors in the world.
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Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Those bonds will be repaid with property taxes and with any revenue generated from selling power from the dams' hydroelectric plants, which can resume operating once the lakes are full.
—Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Mar. 2026
The lake’s surface could drop to a critical level for hydroelectric power production by the end of this year, affecting a power grid that serves seven states.
—Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Their extended range enables comprehensive mapping of vast territories, tracking snow levels to predict floods or hydroelectric output, and keeping a watchful eye on natural hazards such as landslides and avalanches.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
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Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Those bonds will be repaid with property taxes and with any revenue generated from selling power from the dams' hydroelectric plants, which can resume operating once the lakes are full.
—Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Mar. 2026
The lake’s surface could drop to a critical level for hydroelectric power production by the end of this year, affecting a power grid that serves seven states.
—Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Their extended range enables comprehensive mapping of vast territories, tracking snow levels to predict floods or hydroelectric output, and keeping a watchful eye on natural hazards such as landslides and avalanches.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 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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