hydraulic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Operated or moved by the pressure of a liquid, usually oil or water, forced through pipes or cylinders.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: hydraulic brakes, a hydraulic system. It is not usually used after a verb.

   Patterns

   • hydraulic + noun

   The car has hydraulic brakes that stop it smoothly.

   A hydraulic lift raised the heavy engine so the mechanic could work underneath.

   The excavator uses hydraulic power to move its long arm.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nountechnical

   Relating to the science of how liquids move and the forces they produce.

   Grammar: Used in academic or technical contexts, often before nouns like engineering or pressure.

   Patterns

   • hydraulic engineering
   • hydraulic pressure

   She studied hydraulic engineering at university.

   Hydraulic pressure in the pipe increased when the valve was closed.

   The report explained the hydraulic principles behind the dam.

Common combinations

hydraulic system

The aircraft's hydraulic system controls the landing gear.

hydraulic fluid

Check the hydraulic fluid level before starting the machine.

hydraulic brake

Most modern cars have hydraulic brakes.

hydraulic lift

They installed a hydraulic lift for wheelchair access.

Synonyms and how they differ

fluid-powered

A more general term that can refer to any liquid or gas, while hydraulic specifically means liquid.

water-powered

This is narrower, referring only to water, whereas hydraulic can use oil or other liquids.

Opposites

Word family

hydraulics noun

The science or use of hydraulic systems.

hydraulically adverb

In a way that uses liquid pressure.

Commonly confused: hydraulic or pneumatic?

Practice

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