Hydroeli

Hydroeli is a term used in various contexts but there is no single, widely recognized definition in mainstream science as of the mid-2020s. It appears as a coinage in theoretical discussions, as well as in speculative fiction, to denote concepts related to water and electrical phenomena. The lack of a standard definition means that meanings vary by author and field.

In theoretical chemistry and materials science, hydroeli has been used to describe hypothetical hydrated electrolyte species—ions that are surrounded by water molecules in more extensive solvation shells than customary, potentially altering transport or reactivity. In energy research, some speculative proposals describe hydroeli as a hybrid concept combining hydraulic or hydroelectric energy generation with electrochemical storage or conversion, though such ideas are not part of established technology. In other scientific contexts, the term has been used loosely to denote water-rich matrices or gels with conductive or responsive behavior.

In fiction and worldbuilding, hydroeli is commonly presented as a material or resource with water-enabled electrical properties, enabling unique power, sensing, or propulsion effects within a narrative.

Etymology: The word combines the prefix hydro-, meaning water, with elements related to electricity or electrolytes, chosen to suggest a link between hydration and charge transport. However, there is no standardized etymology or definition.

See also: electrolyte, hydrogel, hydroelectricity, solvated ion.