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 allows laser light to interact with the electrons inside the material in a nonlinear way that keeps their phases in sync. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 The greater the amount of hydrogen peroxide that is present in that liquid, the greater the number of electrons produced, and thus the stronger the measured electrical signal. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2025 As for the source of this energy, physicists knew that quantum fields, the entities responsible for particles like electrons and photons, contribute an energetic sizzle to otherwise-empty space. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025 Between the lines: Molecules, not electrons, always thread the climate-tech conversations at CERAWeek given the conference's history — but not this much. Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 11 Mar. 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 9 Apr. 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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