tidal power: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Technical / Academic / Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “tidal power” mean?
The energy generated by harnessing the rise and fall of ocean tides.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The energy generated by harnessing the rise and fall of ocean tides.
A form of hydroelectric power or renewable energy technology that converts the kinetic and potential energy of tidal flows into electricity. It also refers to the industry, infrastructure, or political/economic consideration of this energy source.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning, frequency, and register. Spelling remains the same. The UK, with significant tidal resources, may have slightly higher frequency in national discourse.
Connotations
Both associate it with renewable energy, sustainability, and engineering challenges. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Low frequency in general conversation, but standard in environmental, engineering, and energy policy contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “tidal power” in a Sentence
The [COUNTRY] is exploring the use of tidal power.[COMPANY] plans to harness tidal power from the [ESTUARY].The [ADJECTIVE] potential of tidal power is significant.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tidal power” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The region could be tidal-powered within a decade.
American English
- The facility is designed to tidal-power the entire island.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard. No common adverbial use.]
American English
- [Not standard. No common adverbial use.]
adjective
British English
- The tidal-power industry is seeking government subsidies.
American English
- They conducted a tidal-power feasibility study.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The consortium secured funding for a new tidal power venture in the Pentland Firth.
Academic
The paper evaluates the socioeconomic impacts of large-scale tidal power extraction on coastal communities.
Everyday
They mentioned tidal power as a possible solution for clean energy on the news.
Technical
The axial-flow turbines are designed for optimal efficiency in low-velocity tidal power regimes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tidal power”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tidal power”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tidal power”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a tidal power'). Incorrect: 'They built a tidal power.' Correct: 'They built a tidal power station.'
- Confusing 'tidal power' (energy) with 'tidal range' (the height difference between high and low tide).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tidal power harnesses the predictable gravitational pull of the moon and sun on the oceans (tides), while wave power captures the energy from surface waves caused by wind.
High initial infrastructure costs and potential environmental impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal processes.
Yes, in terms of predictability. Tidal cycles are astronomically determined and can be forecast centuries in advance, unlike wind or solar which are weather-dependent.
Notable commercial-scale tidal power stations exist in France (Rance Tidal Power Station), South Korea (Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station), and Canada (Annapolis Royal Generating Station).
The energy generated by harnessing the rise and fall of ocean tides.
Tidal power is usually technical / academic / journalistic in register.
Tidal power: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪ.dəl ˈpaʊ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪ.dəl ˈpaʊ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the TIDE's PULL (power) - TIDal POWER. The tide has the power to turn turbines.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE OCEAN IS A BATTERY (storing and releasing energy cyclically).
Practice
Quiz
Tidal power is primarily a form of: