hydro
Definition
- Noun (plural: hydros)
- Short for hydroelectric power: "hydro" refers to electricity generated by the force of moving water, especially in a hydroelectric plant.
- Short for hydroplane or hydroaeroplane: In informal or historical contexts, "hydro" can mean a type of boat or aircraft that operates on or from water.
- Short for hydropathic establishment: In British English, "hydro" was historically used to refer to a hotel or spa offering water-based treatments (from "hydropathic").
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The region relies heavily on hydro for its electricity. (Electricity generated from water power.)
- We took a ride in a vintage hydro across the lake. (A hydroplane or water-based aircraft.)
- She spent a week at a hydro in the Scottish Highlands. (A spa or hotel offering water treatments.)
Advanced Usage
- "Hydro" as a prefix: In compound words, "hydro-" is a prefix meaning "water" or "hydrogen," but as a standalone word, it is always a shortened form of a longer term.
- The dam supplies hydro to the entire grid. (Hydroelectric power.)
- "Hydro" in scientific contexts: Occasionally used informally for "hydrochloric acid" or "hydrogen," though this is rare.
- The lab uses hydro for cleaning. (Hydrochloric acid, in informal speech.)
Variants and Related Words
- Hydroelectric (adj): relating to electricity generated by water power.
- The hydroelectric plant is a major source of renewable energy.
- Hydroplane (n): a boat designed to skim over water at high speed.
- The hydroplane raced across the lake at incredible speed.
- Hydropathic (adj): relating to water-based therapies or treatments.
- The hydropathic clinic offered mineral baths and massages.
Synonyms
- Water power: energy derived from flowing water.
- Watercraft: a vehicle that moves on or through water (for "hydroplane").
- Spa: a place offering water-based treatments (for "hydropathic establishment").
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms