Frequently asked questions
What does the root hydro mean?
Hydro comes from Greek and means water, so hydro words usually relate to water in some way, such as hydrate or hydroelectric.
Letters and spelling
Words with hydro: a vocabulary list
Hydro comes from the Greek word for water, and it shows up in words spanning science, engineering, and everyday life. This list is useful for students learning Greek and Latin roots, anyone studying water-related science topics, or word lovers curious how one root can shape so many different words.
Words with hydro: a vocabulary list
| Word | Meaning | In a sentence | Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| hydrantnoun | An upright pipe with a valve connected to a water supply, used to draw water for fighting fires. | Firefighters connected their hose directly to the hydrant on the corner. | |
| hydrateverb | To supply the body, skin, or a substance with enough water. | Athletes are advised to hydrate well before and after intense exercise. | |
| dehydrateverb | To remove water from something, or to lose an unhealthy amount of water from the body. | The company dehydrates fruit to make lightweight snacks for hikers. | |
| rehydrateverb | To restore water or moisture to the body, food, or skin after it has become dry. | Athletes need to rehydrate quickly after a long run in the heat. | |
| hydrationnoun | The process of taking in enough water to keep the body or another substance properly supplied with fluid. | Runners are advised to prioritize hydration before, during, and after a long race. | |
| hydraulicadjective | Operated or moved by the pressure of a liquid, typically forced through pipes or cylinders. | The mechanic replaced a leaking hose in the car's hydraulic braking system. | |
| hydroelectricadjective | Producing electricity by using the force of flowing or falling water to turn turbines. | The dam's hydroelectric plant supplies power to three nearby towns. | |
| hydrogennoun | The lightest and most abundant chemical element, a colorless, odorless gas that burns easily. | Hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water. | |
| hydroplaneverb | To skid uncontrollably on a wet road when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the surface. | The car began to hydroplane on the flooded highway, and the driver eased off the gas. | |
| hydroponicsnoun | A method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. | The greenhouse uses hydroponics to grow lettuce year-round without soil. | |
| hydrophobianoun | An intense fear of water, often occurring as a symptom of advanced rabies infection. | Hydrophobia is one of the alarming symptoms doctors watch for in untreated rabies cases. | |
| hydrologynoun | The scientific study of water, including its distribution, movement, and effects on the environment. | Her degree in hydrology prepared her for work managing the city's water supply. | |
| hydrologistnoun | A scientist who studies the distribution, movement, and properties of water on and beneath the Earth. | The hydrologist measured the river's flow rate after weeks of heavy rain. | |
| hydrotherapynoun | The use of water, especially through exercise or immersion, to treat illness or aid physical recovery. | The physical therapist recommended hydrotherapy to ease the pain in his injured knee. | |
| hydrospherenoun | All the water on, under, and above the surface of the Earth, including oceans, ice, and vapor. | The hydrosphere includes not only the oceans but also glaciers and groundwater. | |
| hydrocarbonnoun | An organic compound made up entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms, such as those found in fuels. | Gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons refined from crude oil. | |
| hydropowernoun | Electrical power generated from the energy of moving or falling water. | The country invested heavily in hydropower to reduce its reliance on coal. | |
| hydrangeanoun | A shrub with large, rounded clusters of small pink, blue, or white flowers. | Blue hydrangeas bloomed along the edge of the garden path. | |
| hydrofoilnoun | A boat fitted with wing-like blades beneath the hull that lift it above the water at speed. | The hydrofoil skimmed across the bay, its hull barely touching the waves. | |
| hydrocephalusnoun | A medical condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the cavities of the brain. | Untreated hydrocephalus in infants can cause the skull to enlarge and press on brain tissue. | |
| hydrodynamicadjective | Relating to the forces and motion produced by liquids, especially water, in movement. | Engineers tested the hull's hydrodynamic performance in a water tank before construction. | |
| hydrometernoun | An instrument used to measure the density or specific gravity of a liquid. | The brewer used a hydrometer to check the sugar content of the fermenting beer. | |
| hydroxidenoun | A chemical compound containing a hydrogen and oxygen atom bonded together, forming a negatively charged ion. | Sodium hydroxide is a strong base commonly used in soap manufacturing. | |
| anhydrousadjective | Describing a chemical substance that contains no water, including water bound within its structure. | The lab stored anhydrous ethanol in a sealed container to prevent moisture absorption. | |
| hydrothermaladjective | Relating to hot water, especially processes involving heated water within or near the Earth's crust. | Hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor support unusual ecosystems that thrive without sunlight. |
No matching words in this collection.