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galvanometer
[ gal-vuh-nom-i-ter ]
noun
- an instrument for detecting the existence of small electric currents and determining their strength.
galvanometer
/ ˌɡælvəˈnɒmɪtə; ɡælˌvænə-; ˌɡælvənəʊˈmɛtrɪk /
noun
- any sensitive instrument for detecting or measuring small electric currents
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.
Derived Forms
- galvanometric, adjective
- ˌgalvaˈnometry, noun
- ˌgalvanoˈmetrically, adverb
Word History and Origins
Origin of galvanometer1
Example Sentences
The mirror receiving instrument employed was the heavy prototype of the delicate reflecting galvanometer of Sir William Thomson.
The older or moving-magnet type of galvanometer is similar to the galvanoscope mentioned in Art. 239.
The moving-coil type of galvanometer (see Fig. 245) consists of a large magnet fastened to the frame of the device.
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.
The known resistances are changed until when on pressing the keys at E and K no current flows through the galvanometer.
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