adjective / noun

hydraulic

high-DRAW-lik/haɪˈdrɔːlɪk/

Systems or processes that work through liquid pressure or movement.

A hydraulic lift raises the car so mechanics can work underneath.

A hydraulic workshop jack raises a car, piston and liquid pressure cylinder clearly visible.

Etymology

hydrGreekwater

+aulGreekpipe, musical instrument

+icGreekpertaining to

The water-and-pipe combination originally described a water organ. Its application widened to other water engines, leading to the modern sense of machinery operated by liquid pressure or movement.

In context

Jared Owen4:19

the oil is pumped through the pipes and into the cylinder. The pressure pushes the piston up, which raises the elevator into the air. You'll find hydraulic elevators in smaller buildings

How does an Elevator work?

More examples

Hydraulic brakes use liquid pressure to stop the wheels.
A leak reduces the hydraulic pressure in the system.
The mechanic checks the tractor's hydraulics for leaks.

Forms

hydraulic · hydraulics

hydraulically adverb — By means of liquid pressure or movement.

Similar words

fluid-powered: Includes systems powered by gases as well as liquids.
water-powered: Specifically uses water, while hydraulic systems may use oil.