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

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 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

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 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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