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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 affects the current's voltage as the electrons are pushed to either side of the conductor.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
The colors of the northern lights are caused by the interaction between electrons from space and gases in Earth's atmosphere.
—Ariana Garcia, Chron, 11 Oct. 2024
Scientists think that gamma rays emerge in thunderstorms when electrons accelerate through strong electric fields in the clouds.
—Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024
This is because the bonds require the carbon atoms to share electrons.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
electr- + -on entry 2
First Known Use
1891, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing electron
Dictionary Entries Near electron
Cite this Entry
“Electron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electron. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on electron
Nglish: Translation of electron for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of electron for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electron
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