What does voltammeter mean?
A voltammeter is an electrical instrument designed to measure both voltage and electric current. It presents the two quantities in their respective units, volts and amperes, making it more informative than an instrument dedicated to only one measurement. In circuit work, it can be used to observe how a component responds to an applied potential difference. In electrochemistry, closely related arrangements support voltammetric analysis, in which current is measured while the potential is varied. The word is specialized and uncommon in general conversation, so context strongly affects interpretation: the name always denotes a combined voltage-and-current measuring device, not merely a voltage readout. Compared with separate meters, a voltammeter can provide a more immediate view of electrical behavior. It is useful to anyone studying electronics, instrumentation, or analytical chemistry, especially when compact, direct measurement of both quantities is valuable.
nounAn electrical instrument that measures both potential difference (voltage) and electric current, giving readings in volts and amperes.
- An electrical measuring instrument designed to measure both potential difference and electric current.
"The technician connected the voltammeter to the circuit and recorded both the voltage and the current."
"Using a digital voltammeter, the researcher monitored the current as the applied voltage was gradually increased."
"The laboratory's voltammeter showed an unexpected rise in current during the test."
The plural is formed by adding -s to the whole compound.
"Several voltammeters were connected to different test circuits."
One instrument, two electrical quantities: a voltammeter reads voltage and current in a single measurement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of voltammeter
The word is a compound formed from “volt” and “ammeter,” combining the names of the two units whose quantities it measures. “Volt” derives through French from the surname of Alessandro Volta, while “ampere” commemorates André-Marie Ampère; “ammeter” itself combines Ampère's name with the Greek metron, meaning “measure.” The compound arose as electrical instrumentation developed into standardized devices capable of providing voltage and current measurements together.
How voltammeter is actually used
A specialized technical term used chiefly in electrical engineering, electronics, instrumentation, and electrochemistry. In analytical chemistry, the related adjective “voltammetric” usually describes a method in which current is measured while an applied potential is varied.
Easily confused with voltammeter
A voltmeter measures voltage alone, whereas a voltammeter measures voltage and electric current.
An ammeter measures electric current alone, whereas a voltammeter provides both current and voltage readings.