galvanometer

[ gal-vuh-nom-i-ter ]

noun

1. an instrument for detecting the existence of small electric currents and determining their strength.

galvanometer

/ ˌɡælvəˈnɒmɪtə; ɡælˌvænə-; ˌɡælvənəʊˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

1. any sensitive instrument for detecting or measuring small electric currents

galvanometer

/ găl′və-nŏm′ĭ-tər /

1. An instrument that detects small electric currents and indicates their direction and relative strength. Current flowing through the galvanometer passes through a coil near a magnetized needle on a pivot; the strength of the current in the coil regulates the strength of a magnetic field that displaces the needle. Galvanometers can be used directly as ammeters, and are the core element of many ohmmeters and voltmeters.

Derived Forms

• galvanometric, adjective
• ˌgalvaˈnometry, noun
• ˌgalvanoˈmetrically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of galvanometer¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; galvano- + -meter

Example Sentences

Wearable “galvanometer” gadgets, for example, measure moisture and electrical resistance on hand skin to reveal arousal.

From Economist

He used a galvanometer with a tube that he could fill with various gases.

From The Guardian

“As the galvanometer spot swung across the scale, indicating that protons of 1-MeV energy were reaching the collector,” Livingston recalled, “Lawrence literally danced around the room with glee.”

From Literature

When a galvanometer detected a signal, it created a magnetic field.

From Literature

Two scientists, Lucien Bull and Charles Nordmann, adapted the string galvanometer, which was used to measure small electrical currents, to record signals from the microphones on to photographic film.

From Newsweek