galvanic

adjective

gal·​van·​ic gal-ˈva-nik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or producing a direct current of electricity

a galvanic cell

b

: caused by galvanism

—used especially of the corrosion of metallic objects as a result of electrolytic action

… an effective alternative to conventional copper paints that cause galvanic corrosion of metals underwater.

—Cruising World

2

a

: having an electric effect : intensely exciting

a galvanic performance

b

: produced as if by an electric shock

had a galvanic effect on the audience

galvanically

gal-ˈva-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• breathtaking
• charged
• electric
• electrifying
• exciting
• exhilarating
• exhilarative
• galvanizing
• hair-raising
• heart-stopping
• inspiring
• intoxicating
• kicky
• mind-bending
• mind-blowing
• mind-boggling
• rip-roaring
• rousing
• stimulating
• stirring
• thrilling

Examples of galvanic in a Sentence

Her performance had a galvanic effect on the audience.

her galvanic rendition of the song received rapturous applause

Recent Examples on the Web

And then there’s the galvanic space of social media. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024

One of our favorite beauty tools, this device combines four technologies into one—red light therapy, galvanic current, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2024

Those include red light masks for face, neck and eye; a 4-in-1 massage wand that also incorporates heat, massage and galvanic current; a miniature red light for travel, and a red-and-blue light tool to spot treat acne. —James Manso, WWD, 9 Oct. 2024

The galvanic silver dial has been designed to ensure optimal readability. —Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French galvanique, from galvanisme galvanism + -ique -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing galvanic

• galvanic skin response

Medical Definition

galvanic

adjective

gal·​van·​ic gal-ˈvan-ik 

: of, relating to, involving, or producing a direct current of electricity

galvanic stimulation of flaccid muscles

compare faradic

galvanically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb