electron

noun

elec·​tron i-ˈlek-ˌträn 

: an elementary particle consisting of a charge of negative electricity equal to about 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulomb and having a mass when at rest of about 9.109 × 10⁻³¹ kilogram or about 1/1836 that of a proton

Examples of electron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Modern Flash memory is vulnerable to unavoidable electron migration that is accelerated by temperature, significantly limiting its lifespan to 1-10 years. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Dec. 2025

The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 2 Dec. 2025

The energy in rechargeable batteries comes from the flow of electrons released by lithium atoms in the anode moving toward the cathode. —Ivano W. Aiello, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025

Stabilizing is important because free radicals steal electrons from other molecules (including DNA), causing damage called oxidative stress. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

electr- + -on entry 2

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing electron

• Auger electron
• Auger electron spectroscopy
• electron cloud
• electron gas
• electron gun
• electron micrograph
• electron microscope
• electron multiplier
• electron optics
• electron probe
• electron transport
• electron tube
• electron volt
• free-electron laser
• scanning electron microscope
• valence electron

Rhymes for electron

• photoelectron

Kids Definition

electron

noun

elec·​tron i-ˈlek-ˌträn 

: an elementary particle that has a negative charge of electricity and travels around the nucleus of an atom

Medical Definition

electron

noun

elec·​tron i-ˈlek-ˌträn 

: an elementary particle consisting of a charge of negative electricity equal to about 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulomb and having a mass when at rest of about 9.109534 × 10⁻²⁸ gram or about ¹/₁₈₃₆ that of a proton