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 This miniaturized accelerator instead fires electrons down a straight line. —

Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2023 Crucially, when this happens, the resistance along the length of the material drops to zero, and the electrons travel around the edges without losing any energy, achieving an effect similar to that of a superconductor. —

IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2023 These devices use energy sources, such as lasers tuned to specific frequencies, to excite electrons orbiting atomic nuclei. —

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2023 Add some electrons The RS Spyder's engine went on to another life. —

Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2023 Medical professionals already use electron accelerators to treat skin cancer. —

Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2023 These electrons all create electric fields that push on the other electrons. —

WIRED, 27 Oct. 2023 But even atomic clocks aren't perfect, because environmental factors can affect how electrons bounce. —

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2023 On Tuesday, three scientists won the physics prize for their work on how electrons zip around the atom in the tiniest fractions of seconds. —

Karl Ritter, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Electron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electron. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

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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