Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to hydraulics: Of or pertaining to the science of hydraulics, which deals with the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
   • Operated by liquid pressure: Moved, worked, or effected by the pressure or force of a liquid, typically water or oil.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The engineer specialized in hydraulic systems for heavy machinery.
  • The dam's gates are controlled by a powerful hydraulic mechanism.
  • They studied hydraulic principles to design more efficient pumps.

Advanced Usage

• "Hydraulic action" (in geology/geography): The erosive force of moving water.
  • The canyon was formed over millennia by hydraulic action.
• "Hydraulic fluid": The liquid, often oil, used to transmit power in a hydraulic system.
  • The machine malfunctioned due to contaminated hydraulic fluid.

Variants and Related Words

• Hydraulics (noun): The branch of science and technology concerned with the conveyance of liquids through pipes and channels, especially as a source of mechanical force or control.
  • He studied hydraulics in college.
• Hydraulically (adverb): In a hydraulic manner; by means of hydraulics.
  • The arm is hydraulically powered.

Synonyms

• Fluid-powered: Operated by the pressure of a fluid.
• Pneumatic (Note: This is a related but distinct term, referring to systems operated by compressed air or gas, not liquid).

Related Phrases

• Hydraulic brake: A brake system in which the brake pedal force is transmitted to the brake shoes by means of a liquid under pressure.
  • Modern cars are equipped with hydraulic brakes.
• Hydraulic press: A machine using hydraulic pressure to compress or shape materials.
  • The factory uses a hydraulic press to mold metal parts.
• Hydraulic lift: A device for raising objects using the force exerted by a liquid under pressure in a piston.
  • The mechanic raised the car using a hydraulic lift.

Related Idioms

(No common idioms are directly based on the word "hydraulic". Its usage is primarily technical.)

Adjective

1. of or relating to the study of hydraulics
   • hydraulic engineer
2. moved or operated or effected by liquid (water or oil)
   • hydraulic erosion
   • hydraulic brakes