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.
Solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections produce northern lights displays, as electrons from these events collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere. Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 For electrons in the double-slit experiment, the two different histories are two different paths through space. Matt Von Hippel, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025 Unlike photons, identical electrons cannot pile up in the same place. Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 23 June 2025 The simulation ends by collecting electrons that have been ejected by photons into a grid of pixels, to make an image. John Peterson, The Conversation, 23 June 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 3 Jul. 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

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