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hydroelectric

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hy⋅dro⋅e⋅lec⋅tric

[hahy-droh-i-lek-trik]
–adjective
pertaining to the generation and distribution of electricity derived from the energy of falling water or any other hydraulic source.

Origin:
1825–35; hydro- 1 + electric


hy⋅dro⋅e⋅lec⋅tric⋅i⋅ty [hahy-droh-i-lek-tris-i-tee, -ee-lek-] , noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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hy·dro·e·lec·tric   (hī'drō-ĭ-lěk'trĭk)   


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adj.  
  1. Generating electricity by conversion of the energy of running water.

  2. Of, relating to, or using electricity so generated.

hy'dro·e·lec'tri·cal·ly adv., hy'dro·e·lec·tric'i·ty (-ĭ-lěk-trĭs'ĭ-tē) n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

hydroelectric 
1827, formed in Eng. from hydro-, comb. form of Gk. hydor "water" (see water (n.1)) + electric.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Science Dictionary
hydroelectric   (hī'drō-ĭ-lěk'trĭk)  Pronunciation Key 


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Using the power of water currents to generate electric power. Generally, hydroelectric power is created by directing water flow through a turbine, where the water causes fans to turn, creating the torque needed to drive an electric generator.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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