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.
Doing so causes electrons to split the bonds in the iron ore to purify it while outputting only oxygen. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2025 Using X-rays and electron microscopy, a new study revealed that three artifacts — a bracelet, an ankle ring, and a pin — contain an even rarer kind of iron obtained from a meteorite. David Bressan, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 As a result, the state of the electrons in the wire influenced the capacitance of the quantum dot. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025 To get the monomers to link together, a lone electron – or free radical – initiates a bond with a monomer, triggering a chain reaction. Aaron Priester, The Conversation, 19 Feb. 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 17 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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