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

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Green power would be provided by a hydroelectric dam complete with an elevated temple in its mosaic facade. By Charlie Campbell/gelephu, Bhutan, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 Jemmy is in the hydroelectric dam where his mother and Rob work. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 21 Dec. 2024 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. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024 His designs were instrumental in constructing the first large-scale hydroelectric power station at Niagara Falls, which began operating in 1895. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 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 2 Feb. 2025.

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

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