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An instrument for measuring currents, especially the force or intensity of electrical currents; a galvanometer.

The measurement of the force or intensity of currents.

Any apparatus by which an electrical current is originated. [R.]

A connecting wire of an electric or voltaic apparatus, traversed by a current.

An instrument for detecting the presence or movement of currents, as of electricity.

A contrivance for adjusting or regulating the strength of electrical currents, operating usually by the intercalation of resistance which can be varied at will. Wheatstone. --Rhe`o*stat"ic, a.

An instrument which periodically or otherwise interrupts an electric current. Wheatstone.

An instrument for reversing the direction of an electric current. [Written also reotrope.]

nstrument, acting on the principle of Pitot's tube, for measuring the velocity of a fluid current, the speed of a ship, etc.

A gold coin formerly current in England, of the value of ten shillings sterling in the reign of Henry VI., and of fifteen shillings in the reign of Elizabeth. [Spelt also ryal.] Brande & C.

A body of water made rough by the meeting of opposing tides or currents.

Ribwort. -- Ripple marks, a system of parallel ridges on sand, produced by wind, by the current of a steam, or by the agitation of wind waves; also (Geol.), a system of parallel ridges on the surface of a sandstone stratum.

A strong tide or current, especially in a narrow channel. [Written also rost, and roost.] Jamieson.

A current story passing from one person to another, without any known authority for its truth; -- in this sense often personified. Rumor next, and Chance, And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled. Milton.

State of being current; currency; popularity. it is impossible for detached papers to have a general run, or long continuance, if not diversified with humor. Addison.

op heavily. To sag to leeward (Naut.), to make much leeway by reason of the wind, sea, or current; to drift to leeward; -- said of a vessel. Totten.

hes project above the surface, rising and falling with a rocking or swaying motion in the current. [U.S.]

A speech; something said; an expression of opinion; a current story; a maxim or proverb. [Archaic or Colloq.] He no sooner said out his say, but up rises a cunning snap. L'Estrange. That strange palmer's boding say, That fell so ominous and drear Full on the object of his fear. Sir W. Scott.

o remove by rubbing or cleansing; to sweep along or off; to carry away or remove, as by a current of water; -- often with off or away. [I will] stain my favors in a bloody mask, Which, washed away, shall scour my shame with it. Shak.

p. Shak. Bills of exchange can not pay our debts abroad, till scrips of paper can be made current coin. Locke.