galvanism

noun

gal·​va·​nism ˈgal-və-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce galvanism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead galvanism led to life-saving interventions—the pacemaker and the defibrillator among them. — Charles Kenny, Slate Magazine, 16 Jan. 2017 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, 17 Feb. 2018

Word History

Etymology

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.")

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of galvanism was in 1797

Rhymes for galvanism

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Browse Nearby Words

galvanise
galvanism
galvanize
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Cite this Entry

“Galvanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galvanism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

galvanism

noun
gal·​va·​nism ˈgal-və-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce galvanism (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on galvanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about galvanism

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