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

Once operational, the collider will reportedly smash electrons into ions. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

To fix these issues scientists aim to go one layer deeper into the atom, from the electrons on the outside to the nucleus nestled within, and track how energy flips a single neutron between quantum states. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026

Until now, light-steering methods typically altered the electronic properties of optical chips or liquid crystal panels, exciting electrons and releasing their additional energy to shift how light passed through those media. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

Turnout is mediocre Democrats have been having trouble winning statewide electrons for decades, and the state has turned increasingly Republican in recent years. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

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