galvanic

[gal-van-ik]

adjective

1. pertaining to or produced by galvanism; producing or caused by an electric current.

2. affecting or affected as if by galvanism; startling; shocking.

   the galvanic effect of his speech.

3. stimulating; energizing.

   Her galvanic presence brought the party to life.

galvanic

/ ɡælˈvænɪk /

adjective

1. Also: voltaic. of, producing, or concerned with an electric current, esp a direct current produced chemically

   a galvanic cell

2. informal,  resembling the effect of an electric shock; convulsive, startling, or energetic

   galvanic reflexes

galvanic

1. Relating to electricity generated by a chemical reaction. A galvanic cell is an electric cell, such as found in household and car batteries, that makes use of galvanic reactions to act as a power source.

2. See Note at battery

Other Word Forms

• galvanically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of galvanic¹

1790–1800; < French galvanique, named after Luigi Galvani; -ic

Example Sentences

The acting company distinguished itself primarily through its galvanic singing.

From Los Angeles Times

The group gained fame for hits including “Town Called Malice” and “That’s Entertainment” and for its debut album, “In the City,” which The Times dubbed in 1993 “an absolutely galvanic celebration of British teen rebellion.”

From Los Angeles Times

We use experts in behavioral science, facial coding, galvanic skin response, and other subjects and research methods as well.

From Salon

"Analysis of the domestic hot water pipework has indicated erosion corrosion and galvanic corrosion to be the cause, pseudomonas is not a factor."

From BBC

Seeing Trinity’s “Messiah” for the first time, in 2011, showed me the galvanic possibilities of this classic work more than any recording or live outing I’d ever heard.

From New York Times

Related Words

• demonstrative 
• fidgety 
• fiery 
• high-strung 
• hysterical 
• impulsive 
• restless 
• skittish 
• temperamental