The Meaning of GALVANIZE (It’s related to frogs’ legs!)
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Image credits: See below
The Meaning of GALVANIZE (It’s related to Frogs’ Legs!)
Transcript
This video explains the meaning of galvanize, the origin of the word, and numerous illustrated sentence examples.
Slide 1:
Hello, I’m David James.
Slide 2:
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Slide 3:
Today we are looking at the origin and meaning of ‘galvanize’.
Slide 4:
First, where does the word ‘galvanize’ come from?
Slide 5:
The picture shows a sculpture of Italian physicist Luigi Galvani. The sentence reads:
In 1762 the Italian physicist Luigi Galvani discovered voltaic electricity (electricity produced by a chemical action).
Slide 6:
The next picture shows Luigi Galvani dissecting frogs’ legs.
The sentence reads:
While cutting a frog’s leg, Galvani noticed the leg twitched. He found it was because his steel scalpel had touched a brass hook holding the frog’s leg.
Slide 7:
The next picture shows a diagram of Galvani’s experiments.
The sentence reads:
Galvani’s experiments showed that the touching of the two dissimilar metals had produced electricity.
Slide 8:
So the word ‘galvanize’ is taken from Galvani’s name and it is associated with his discovery of voltaic electricity while cutting frogs’ legs!
Two Common Meanings of GALVANIZE
Slide 9:
Here are 2 common meanings of GALVANIZE:
- to coat metal, especially iron or steel, with zinc
- to create awareness, to move to action, to stimulate or shock as if by an electric current
Let’s look at some examples . . .
Slide 10:
The picture shows a section of metal sheeting.
The sentence example reads:
The galvanized sheeting around the bus shelter gave us some protection from the biting wind.
Slide 11:
Notes: Here the adjective “galvanized” is used to describe metal coated with zinc. The phrase “biting wind” refers to wind that is very cold, causing a stinging sensation.
Slide 12:
The next picture shows an area in Japan devastated by a tsunami with rescue workers searching through the rubble.
The sentence example reads:
A sudden drop in temperature galvanized the rescue team’s efforts to try and find survivors.
Slide 13:
Notes: ‘Galvanized’ is used here to mean ‘stimulated or moved to action’.
Slide 14:
The last picture shows the cover of the famous novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.
The sentence example reads:
The 1852 novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” galvanized public opinion in America in support of the anti-slavery movement.
Slide 15:
Notes: Again, ‘galvanized’ is used to indicate a sudden awakening and action, similar to the effect of an electric shock!
To sum up . . .
Slide 16:
In conclusion: When using the word ‘galvanize’ remember the connection with Luigi Galvani, electricity and frogs’ legs!
It can refer to metal coated with zinc, but also it can describe an awakening and stimulating to action, as if by an electric shock!
Slide 17:
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Slide 18:
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Now you know the meaning of GALVANIZE, look for an opportunity to use it in daily speech.
If you are interested in word origins, be sure to browse this page:
“The Meaning of CONCOCTION and the COOKING connection!”
Image Credits:
Slide 4: Creative Commons | No change https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi_Galvani#/media/File:Bologna_Statue_of_Galvani.jpg
Slide 5: : Public Domain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi_Galvani#/media/File:Luigi_Galvani,_oil-painting.jpg
Slide 6: Public Domain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi_Galvani#/media/File:Luigi_Galvani_Experiment.jpeg
Slide 7: Creative Commons | No change https://flic.kr/p/fJPFz
Slide 10: Creative Commons | No change https://flic.kr/p/5T1UvD
Slide 12: Creative Commons | No change Department for International Development/Ed Hawkesworth https://flic.kr/p/9r12Wr
Slide 14: Public Domain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Tom's_Cabin#/media/File:UncleTomsCabinCover.jpg
Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
