galvanometer
an instrument for detecting the existence of small electric currents and determining their strength.
Origin of galvanometer
1Words Nearby galvanometer
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use galvanometer in a sentence
The mirror receiving instrument employed was the heavy prototype of the delicate reflecting galvanometer of Sir William Thomson.
Heroes of the Telegraph | J. MunroThe older or moving-magnet type of galvanometer is similar to the galvanoscope mentioned in Art. 239.
Physics | Willis Eugene TowerThe moving-coil type of galvanometer (see Fig. 245) consists of a large magnet fastened to the frame of the device.
Physics | Willis Eugene TowerIn place of a shunt, the voltmeter uses a coil of wire of high resistance (see R, Fig. 249) in series with the galvanometer coil.
Physics | Willis Eugene TowerThe known resistances are changed until when on pressing the keys at E and K no current flows through the galvanometer.
Physics | Willis Eugene Tower
British Dictionary definitions for galvanometer
/ (ˌɡælvəˈnɒmɪtə) /
any sensitive instrument for detecting or measuring small electric currents
Derived forms of galvanometer
- galvanometric (ˌɡælvənəʊˈmɛtrɪk, ɡælˌvænə-) or galvanometrical, adjective
- galvanometrically, adverb
- galvanometry, 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
Scientific definitions for 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse