galvanometer
galvanometer Lexical Profile
galvanometer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
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.
"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."
An electromechanical transducer that produces a rotary deflection of a pointer or mirror in response to an electric current flowing through its coil.
"Early electrocardiogram machines relied on a sensitive string galvanometer to accurately record the electrical activity of the human heart."
• Rhymes for galvanometer
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.