The word hydraulics comes from the Greek word Hudraulikos - hudor- meaning water and aulos – meaning pipe
In a dictionary you will find a description such as the science of conveyance of liquids through pipes, especially as motive (motion) power
Modern uses of hydraulics reflect this well, hydraulic fluid is pushed through pistons and pipes to do work
Early evidence of the understanding of the use of hydraulics was demonstrated by Leonardo de Vinci (1452- 1519) when he made sketches of simple hydraulic pumps, perhaps for printing presses