electron

noun

elec·​tron i-ˈlek-ˌträn How to pronounce electron (audio)
: 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

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The research is unique because the heat and light are used not only to facilitate evaporation but also to control the flow of ions in saltwater and the flow of electrons in the nanodevice. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026 The electron is magnetically oriented upward, say, in this imprint. Quanta Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026 This energy often comes from the ionizing continuum, a powerful, high-energy flashlight from the black hole that strips electrons from atoms. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026 Neutron stars also have some of the strongest magnetic fields known in the universe — up to 10 trillion times the power of a refrigerator magnet, and enough turn gamma rays into electrons and positrons in a way manmade particle accelerators cannot hope to do, NASA explained. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for electron

Word History

Etymology

electr- + -on entry 2

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electron was in 1891

Cite this Entry

“Electron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electron. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

electron

noun
elec·​tron i-ˈlek-ˌträn How to pronounce electron (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce electron (audio)
: 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

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