galvanometer

[ gal-vuh-nom-i-ter ]

noun

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

galvanometer

/ ɡælˌvænə-; ˌɡælvəˈnɒmɪtə; 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

The mirror receiving instrument employed was the heavy prototype of the delicate reflecting galvanometer of Sir William Thomson.

From Project Gutenberg

The older or moving-magnet type of galvanometer is similar to the galvanoscope mentioned in Art. 239.

From Project Gutenberg

The moving-coil type of galvanometer (see Fig. 245) consists of a large magnet fastened to the frame of the device.

From Project Gutenberg

In place of a shunt, the voltmeter uses a coil of wire of high resistance (see R, Fig. 249) in series with the galvanometer coil.

From Project Gutenberg

The known resistances are changed until when on pressing the keys at E and K no current flows through the galvanometer.

From Project Gutenberg