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Glite Dictionary
hydraulic brake

hydraulic brake

4.1
A system that uses liquid pressure to push pads and stop a vehicle
  • noun
  • /haɪˈdrɔlɪk breɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : freno hidráulico
  • Many modern vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic brake system for improved stopping power.
  • hydraulic brake system

Examples

  • "Downhill, uphill, hairpins," Father brightened up, "the Panhard has a unique hydraulic brake system."

    Fiction book (1993)

  • "Number 1, a note "on the hydraulic brake of the 120 mm gun."

    I Accuse! (1958)

  • The diagram of the hydraulic brake on the 120 mm gun.

    I Accuse! (1958)

  • It could even increase drag to supplement a truck's hydraulic brake system.

    Academic text (2001)

  • The mechanic explained that the hydraulic brake relies on fluid pressure to function effectively.

  • To ensure safety, it's important to check the hydraulic brake fluid level regularly.

Synonyms

hydraulic brakes
vshydraulic brake
  • Specialized
3.2

A brake system that uses fluid pressure to move pads and stop a vehicle

is the singular form referring to one system rather than the broader category

Surface Forms

hydraulic brake singular
hydraulic brakes plural

Morphology

hydraulic + brake

The meaning 'a brake system that uses fluid pressure' is directly and compositionally derived from 'hydraulic' (pertaining to the pressure of liquids) + 'brake' (a device that stops motion). This adjectival + noun combination follows common English (and cross-linguistic) naming patterns for technical devices, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Hydraulic brake comes from the words hydraulic (meaning 'using liquid') and brake (a device to stop movement). Imagine pushing the pedal: the liquid in a pipe moves and presses the brake pads against the wheel, so the name means 'a brake that uses liquid to stop the wheels'.