a type of galvanometer for measuring surges of current. After deflection the instrument returns slowly to its original reading
ballistic galvanometer in American English
noun
Electricity
a galvanometer used to measure the quantity of electricity in a current of short duration
Word origin
[1875–80]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: knockabout, massage, musical chairs, neoclassic, slime mold