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

Holder confirmed that while harvesting electrons via front-axle regen, the rear friction brakes will clamp down to improve chassis predictability. —Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2025

Using up those precious electrons on washing dishes still might not make sense, or be cheap. —Alexander C. Kaufman, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025

However, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and multispectral analysis revealed the boulder, with a red dot, was manipulated for decorative purposes. —Jay Kakade june 15, New Atlas, 15 June 2025

That is because during this period, light was unable to travel freely due to the fact that photons were endlessly scattered by free electrons. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025

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