galvanometer

[ gal-vuh-nom-i-ter ]

/ ˌgæl vəˈnɒm ɪ tər /

noun

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

Nearby words

galvano-, galvanocautery, galvanochemical, galvanomagnetic, galvanomagnetic effect, galvanometer, galvanometry, galvanoplastic, galvanoplasty, galvanoscope, galvanotaxis

Origin of galvanometer

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for galvanometer

This may be shown by a galvanometer put in the circuit before beginning the experiment.
Things a Boy Should Know About Electricity|Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew) St. John
Here it was clearly the magnetism induced in the iron ring which produced so powerful a current in the galvanometer circuit.
Heroes of Science: Physicists|William Garnett
The copper wire was severed at the middle, and the severed ends connected with a galvanometer.
Little Masterpieces of Science:|Various
If a galvanometer is in the circuit, the increased deflection of the instrument will indicate the presence of the waves.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2|Various

The magnet being left in the helix, the galvanometer needle came to rest, thus showing the absence of current.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume XIV|John Lord

British Dictionary definitions for galvanometer

galvanometer

/ (ˌɡælvəˈnɒmɪtə) /

noun

any sensitive instrument for detecting or measuring small electric currents

Derived Formsgalvanometric (ˌɡælvənəʊˈmɛtrɪk, ɡælˌvænə-) or galvanometrical, adjectivegalvanometrically, adverbgalvanometry, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for galvanometer

galvanometer

1802, from comb. form of galvanism + -meter.

Science definitions for galvanometer

galvanometer

[ găl′və-nŏm′ĭ-tər ]

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.