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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As of 2023, renewable sources, primarily hydroelectric power, account for approximately 22% of Africa's electricity generation.
—
Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Lees Ferry, the put-in for boaters on the Grand Canyon, lies just downstream of the dam, which releases cold water from the bottom of Lake Powell and provides hydroelectric power in the process.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
By harnessing hydroelectric power, Morphware is working to drive the future of AI and decentralized computing.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
The management of its water levels is critical for municipal supplies, agriculture, and hydroelectric power.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
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Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Lees Ferry, the put-in for boaters on the Grand Canyon, lies just downstream of the dam, which releases cold water from the bottom of Lake Powell and provides hydroelectric power in the process.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
By harnessing hydroelectric power, Morphware is working to drive the future of AI and decentralized computing.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
The management of its water levels is critical for municipal supplies, agriculture, and hydroelectric power.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
Cite this Entry
“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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hydroelectric
adjective
hy·dro·elec·tric
ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
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