galvanism

noun

gal·va·nism | \ ˈgal-və-ˌni-zəm

Definition of galvanism

1 : a direct current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action

2 : the therapeutic use of direct electric current (as for pain relief)

3 : vital or forceful activity

Examples of galvanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Writing her imaginary story of a being jolted to life by Victor Frankenstein, Mary drew on the cutting-edge science of her time, including galvanism and electricity. — The Economist, "Frankenstein: the monster that never dies," 17 Feb. 2018 Instead galvanism led to life-saving interventions—the pacemaker and the defibrillator among them. — Charles Kenny, Slate Magazine, "What Frankenstein Has to Do With Anti-Vaxxers," 16 Jan. 2017

History and Etymology for galvanism

borrowed from French galvanisme, from Luigi galvani (who conducted pioneering experiments in bioelectricity) + -isme -ism

Note: The French words galvanisme and galvaniser were apparently introduced by Alexander von humboldt in a letter, dated January 24, 1796 ("Lettre de F. Humboldt à M. Pictet … sur lʼinfluence de lʼacide muriatique oxygené et sur lʼirritabilité de la fibre organisée, lue a lʼInstitut national"), published in the Magasin encyclopédique, ou Journal des sciences, des lettres et des arts (Lʼan quatrième [1795],) pp. 462-72. In a footnote Humboldt states "Les mots de galvanisme, galvaniser, dont je me sert, sont formés dʼaprès ceux de magnétisme, magnétiser. Ils sont recommendables pour sa briéveté." ("The words galvanism, galvanize, which I make use of, are modeled on magnetism, magnetize. They are commendable for their conciseness.")

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More Definitions for galvanism

galvanism

noun

gal·va·nism | \ ˈgal-və-ˌniz-əm

Medical Definition of galvanism

1 : a direct current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action (as in a storage battery)

2 : the therapeutic use of direct electric current (as to relieve pain)

galvanism

Definition of galvanism

Examples of galvanism in a Sentence

First Known Use of galvanism

History and Etymology for galvanism

Medical Definition of galvanism

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