Vŏl'ta-ïzm, n.

(44), n. [Fr. voltaïsme, from Volta, an Italian. See supra.] That form of electricity which is developed by the chemical action between metals and different liquids; also, the branch of science which treats of this form of electricity; — called also galvanism, from Galvani, who first proved, or brought into notice, the remarkable influence of this agent on animals.