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

The miniature pacemaker is composed of two electrodes that, when in contact with the body’s fluids, form a type of battery called a galvanic cell, which converts chemical energy into electrical energy used to stimulate the heartbeat. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025

World’s smallest pacemaker is activated by light This tiny pacemaker is powered by a galvanic cell, which transforms chemical energy derived from biofluids in contact with it inside the body into pulses of electricity sent to the heart through two metal electrodes. —New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025

This sleek, compact tool packs four types of therapy into one petite device: red light therapy, therapeutic warmth, galvanic current, and facial massage. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 3 Apr. 2025

Instead its body functions as a simple type of battery called a galvanic cell—the two electrodes, made of different combinations of magnesium, zinc and molybdenum, react with the naturally occurring electrolytes in bodily fluids to produce an electric current. —Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for galvanic

• botanic
• brahmanic
• britannic
• germanic
• hispanic
• koranic
• mechanic
• organic
• puranic
• quranic
• romanic
• satanic

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