galvanic couple

Couple Cou"ple (k[u^]p"'l), n. [F. couple, fr. L. copula a bond, band; co- + apere, aptum, to join. See {Art}, a., and cf. {Copula}.] 1. That which joins or links two things together; a bond or tie; a coupler. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

It is in some sort with friends as it is with dogs in couples; they should be of the same size and humor. --L'Estrange. [1913 Webster]

I'll go in couples with her. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. Two of the same kind connected or considered together; a pair; a brace. ``A couple of shepherds.'' --Sir P. Sidney. ``A couple of drops'' --Addison. ``A couple of miles.'' --Dickens. ``A couple of weeks.'' --Carlyle. [1913 Webster]

Adding one to one we have the complex idea of a couple. --Locke. [1913 Webster]

[Ziba] met him with a couple of asses saddled. --2 Sam. xvi. 1. [1913 Webster]

3. A male and female associated together; esp., a man and woman who are married or betrothed. [1913 Webster]

Such were our couple, man and wife. --Lloyd. [1913 Webster]

Fair couple linked in happy, nuptial league. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

4. (Arch.) See {Couple-close}. [1913 Webster]

5. (Elec.) One of the pairs of plates of two metals which compose a voltaic battery; -- called a {voltaic couple} or {galvanic couple}. [1913 Webster]

6. (Mech.) Two rotations, movements, etc., which are equal in amount but opposite in direction, and acting along parallel lines or around parallel axes. [1913 Webster]

Note: The effect of a couple of forces is to produce a rotation. A couple of rotations is equivalent to a motion of translation. [1913 Webster]