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Glite Dictionary
waterpower

waterpower

3.9
Energy from moving or falling water used to make electricity
  • noun
  • /ˈwɔːtərˌpaʊər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : energía hidráulica
  • The old mill was powered by waterpower, which turned its large wooden wheel.
  • waterpower sites

Examples

  • A dam on the creek provided waterpower, but the shallow mill pond only worsened the health of a notoriously fever-ridden area.

    Academic text (2012)

  • If towns were still being placed on rivers and streams into the 1890s, it was to develop the last substantial waterpower sites.

    Academic text (2006)

  • The stationary steam engine lessened the value for manufacturing of the uplands' waterpower sites and freed plants to locate where other factors dictated.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Many rural communities rely on waterpower to generate electricity for their homes.

  • Engineers are exploring ways to harness waterpower more efficiently for renewable energy.

Synonyms

hydro
vswaterpower
  • Canadian
16 3.7

Electricity made by moving water, often at dams

is the more general term for energy from moving or falling water
hydropower
vswaterpower
  • Specialized
8 3.6

Electricity made by using moving water, often with dams

is broader and includes force for mechanical power as well as electricity
hydroelectricity
vswaterpower
  • Specialized
2 3.9

Power made from moving water in dams or rivers

is a broader source that also covers mechanical power, not only electricity

Surface Forms

waterpower singular
waterpowers plural

Morphology

waterpower = water + power (transparent) = water + power

A straightforward compound whose meaning (power produced by water) is directly inferable from its parts for average learners.

Etymology

Waterpower is simply the parts water and power, meaning 'power from water'. Think of an old mill's waterwheel turned by a fast river; that turning makes force or electricity, so waterpower means the energy made by moving or falling water.