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.
The disappearance of free electrons suddenly allowed photons, the particles that make up light, to travel freely. Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025 The issue is that electrons don’t often naturally twist themselves into knots. IEEE Spectrum, 19 Mar. 2025 The researchers analyzed the feathers with electron microscopy as well as chemical tests to both observe the details and how the minerals preserved the feathers. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025 The discussions come as power demand rises, big tech seeks clean electrons, and geothermal enjoys the Trump administration's atypical embrace. Ben Geman, Axios, 13 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 29 Mar. 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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