Definition

A device that measures small electric currents by using the effects of magnetism on a coil or needle.

Example

The scientist used a galvanometer to measure the tiny electric current flowing through the circuit.

Conversation

Have you ever used a galvanometer in your experiments?

No, I haven't. What does it do?

It's a tool that helps measure small electric currents accurately.

That sounds really interesting! I should try using one sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Galvanometer → It is formed from "galvano-" (from Italian *galvano*, meaning relating to electricity or galvanism, named after Luigi Galvani) and "-meter" (from Greek *metron*, meaning measure). The word refers to an instrument that measures electric current.

Memory Tip

Think of 'galvano-' relating to electricity and '-meter' meaning to measure, so a galvanometer is a device that measures electric current.

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