What does hydraulically mean?
Hydraulically is an adverb describing something that operates through the pressure of a fluid, usually an incompressible liquid such as oil. Hydraulic systems transmit force through a fluid-filled mechanism, allowing heavy objects to be lifted, lowered, moved, or controlled with precision. The word is common in descriptions of machinery, including excavators, vehicle brakes, aircraft controls, industrial equipment, and lifts. It is also used more broadly to emphasize that a movement or operation results from fluid pressure rather than direct mechanical force. In everyday language, “hydraulically operated” often suggests machinery designed to handle substantial loads smoothly and reliably. The adverb is formed from “hydraulic,” whose underlying vocabulary comes from Greek words for water and pipe.
adverbIn a way that involves the use of fluid pressure, especially to transmit force or power. It describes systems that operate through hydraulic mechanisms.
- Using fluid pressure to transmit force, operate machinery, or produce movement.
"The heavy gate opened hydraulically as the pressure in the system increased."
"The excavator's arm was raised and lowered hydraulically."
"The doors are hydraulically opened when the main power supply is functioning."
Hydraulically, even the heaviest machinery can be moved by pressure rather than sheer muscle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hydraulically come from?
The word belongs to the English family of “hydraulic,” which comes through Latin from Greek hydōr, meaning “water,” and aulē, meaning “pipe.” The Greek elements refer to the movement or transmission of water in pipes. The modern sense developed from the study of fluids and the use of pressurized liquids to transmit power and motion.
How hydraulically is actually used
Technical and engineering terminology, but widely used in general descriptions of machinery and vehicle systems. It is often paired with verbs such as operated, powered, controlled, and lifted.