Definition
An electrical instrument that detects and measures very small amounts of electric current. It works by using the magnetic field produced by the current to deflect a needle or pointer across a calibrated scale, with the amount of deflection proportional to the current flowing through it.
Plain English
A sensitive meter that shows whether a tiny electric current is flowing, and how much. The pointer moves further the more current passes through it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical-system descriptions, instrument theory, and maintenance troubleshooting of electrical indicators.
Derivation
Named after Italian scientist Luigi Galvani, who studied electric current in the late 1700s, combined with the Greek metron, meaning 'measure.' So literally, a 'Galvani-current measurer.' Knowing this helps because the word looks technical, but it just means an instrument for measuring electric current.
Why Pilots Care
Allows precise verification of current flow in aircraft electrical circuits and instruments.
Intuition Check
A galvanometer is not a battery or power source. It does not create electricity; it shows that a small electric current is flowing.
Example Sentence 1
The cockpit ammeter uses a galvanometer movement to show how much current the alternator is sending to the battery.
Example Sentence 2
During the annual inspection, a galvanometer reading helped locate a weak connection in the alternator output line.