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

This is because the bonds require the carbon atoms to share electrons. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Later experiments that collided electrons and photons like projectiles found that momentum, too, came in chunks. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

All matter—wands, balloons, webs, air—strives for balance between its positive and negative particles (protons, electrons and ions). —Max G. Levy, WIRED, 27 Oct. 2024

The dynamism and large volume of these high-energy events, the researchers say, hint that the electron avalanches at their source act to limit a thunderstorm’s large-scale electric fields, in addition to spurring lightning production. —Lee Billings, Scientific American, 21 Oct. 2024

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

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