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 The primary emission consists of beta particles, high-energy electrons capable of penetrating tumors and surrounding cells, tearing into DNA and causing damage that ultimately triggers cell death. Elie Dolgin, Ars Technica, 21 June 2024 When researchers shone a UV laser on the molecule, the electrons in its central bond jumped to a higher energy state and then relaxed again, causing the motor to spin, the wheels to rotate, and the vehicle to speed forward. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 13 June 2024 The gravitational waves would have shaken electrons in a way to generate tiny B-modes in the cosmic microwaves. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 3 June 2024 In atoms, as this law forces additional electrons to go into higher- and higher-energy states (also called orbitals), the kinetic energy often ends up being more important than the electron-electron repulsion. Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for electron 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near electron

Cite this Entry

“Electron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electron. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on electron

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