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.
Instead of using the movement of electrons like traditional silicon chips, these neurons rely on the movement of atoms to process information. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025 On the one hand, there would be double-neutrino double-beta decay, where the parent nucleus would emit two electrons and two neutrinos, transforming two of the neutrons in the nucleus into protons in the process. Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025 The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Oct. 2025 Several minutes later, electrons and protons may arrive in enormous quantities, dramatically increasing radiation in Earth’s magnetosphere. CMEs, meanwhile, hurtle through space at up to three thousand kilometers per second. Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025 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 30 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on electron

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!