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Definition of galvanometer

galvanometer

/ˌɡæl.vəˈnɑː.mɪ.tɚ/
gal · va · nom · e · ter
Adverb:galvanometrically
•
Plural:galvanometers
•
Adjective:galvanometric
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galvanometer Lexical Profile

galvanometer Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An instrument used for detecting, measuring, and determining the direction of small electric currents by observing the mechanical motion of a magnetic pointer or coil.

Example

"In the high school physics lab, the students used a galvanometer to observe the tiny electrical current generated by moving a magnet through a wire coil."

2

An electromechanical transducer that produces a rotary deflection of a pointer or mirror in response to an electric current flowing through its coil.

Example

"Early electrocardiogram machines relied on a sensitive string galvanometer to accurately record the electrical activity of the human heart."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for galvanometer

• Rhymes for galvanometer

• Nearby Words

galvanization
galvanize
galvanizing
galvanometer
galveston
gambia
gambian

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1802, named in honor of Italian physician and physicist Luigi Galvani, who discovered 'animal electricity', combined with the Greek suffix '-metron' meaning 'measure'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Galvanometer. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/galvanometer
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