galvanic
|gal-van-ic|
/ɡælˈvænɪk/
electric or shock-like stimulation
Etymology
'galvanic' originates from Modern Latin, specifically the word 'galvanicus', where 'galvan-' comes from the surname 'Galvani' (the Italian scientist Luigi Galvani).
'galvanic' changed from Modern Latin 'galvanicus' and Italian 'galvanico' (late 18th century, after Luigi Galvani) into English usage to describe effects related to Galvani's discoveries; it entered English via scientific Latin and contemporary usage.
Initially, it meant 'relating to the discoveries or phenomena observed by Luigi Galvani (bioelectricity)'; over time it broadened to mean 'relating to electricity produced by chemical action' and metaphorically 'shockingly stimulating'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or produced by an electric current, especially one generated by chemical action (as in galvanic cells).
A galvanic cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
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Adjective 2
causing a sudden, strong emotional reaction; stimulating or shockingly effective.
The speech had a galvanic effect on the audience, spurring them into action.
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Adjective 3
of or relating to galvanism or galvanic corrosion—electrical effects between dissimilar metals in contact or in an electrolyte.
Galvanic corrosion can occur when two different metals are joined in the presence of an electrolyte.
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Last updated: 2025/09/08 05:26