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

Bismuth-telluride, a semiconductor material that effectively promotes this electron flow, has been used in TEGs by the researchers. —New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2025

The polarized light that PUNCH will be looking for is being reflected off electrons carried on the solar wind. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025

The company claims that the topological superconductor makes electrons in materials resistant to noise, which, in turn would theoretically let electricity flow through them unheeded. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025

There’s one key difference, however: a muon’s mass is some 200 times greater than that of an electron. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 12 Feb. 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