Galvanizing

[gal-vuh-nahyz] /ˈgæl vəˌnaɪz/

verb (used with object), galvanized, galvanizing.
1.
to stimulate by or as if by a current.
2.
Medicine/Medical. to stimulate or treat (muscles or nerves) with induced direct current (distinguished from ).
3.
to startle into sudden activity; stimulate.
4.
to coat (metal, especially iron or steel) with zinc.
/ˈɡælvəˌnaɪz/
verb (transitive)
1.
to stimulate to action; excite; startle
2.
to cover (iron, steel, etc) with a protective zinc coating by dipping into molten zinc or by electrodeposition
3.
to stimulate by application of an electric current
noun
4.
(Caribbean) galvanized iron, usually in the form of corrugated sheets as used in roofing
v.

1802, from French galvaniser, from galvanisme (see galvanism). Figurative sense of “excite, stimulate (as if by electricity)” first recorded 1853. Meaning “to coat with metal by means of galvanic electricity” (especially to plate iron with tin, but now typically to plate it with zinc) is from 1839.

He’ll swear that in her dancing she cuts all others out,
Though like a Gal that’s galvanized, she throws her legs about.
[Thomas Hood, “Love has not Eyes,” 1845]

Related: Galvanized; galvanizing.

Placement of a thin coat of a metal, such as zinc, over iron or steel to protect the latter from rust. Galvanized metals typically appear shiny.