ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hydraulic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //haɪˈdɹɔɫɪk// UK //haɪdɹˈɔːlɪk// hy·draulic

adj. operated by the pressure of water or another liquid moving through pipes. You often see this used to describe heavy machinery or car brakes.

adj. operated by, moved by, or employing water or other liquids in motion. Often describes mechanical systems that transmit force through a confined liquid.


SIMPLE

The mechanic checked the hydraulic brakes on the truck.

CONTEXTUAL

The construction crew used a hydraulic lift to move the heavy steel beams to the top floor.

COMPLEX

Modern aircraft rely on sophisticated hydraulic systems to actuate landing gear and flight control surfaces, ensuring precise movement under extreme atmospheric pressure.

Origin

From French hydraulique, from Latin hydraulicus, from Ancient Greek ὑδραυλικός (hudraulikós, “of a water organ”), from ὕδραυλις (húdraulis, “water organ”), from ὕδωρ (húdōr, “water”) + αὐλός (aulós, “pipe”).

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies; often used in technical or industrial contexts.

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