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

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Those elementary particles, first detected experimentally in 1956, travel through space, interacting only rarely with electrons and atomic nuclei. — Daniella McCahey, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 Hydrogen is the simplest element on the periodic table, with one proton and one electron. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 The metal floor donates electrons while the membrane pulls oxygen and moisture from the surrounding air to complete the circuit. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026 This changes the alignment of the two ferromagnetic layers, which alters how easily electrons can tunnel through the insulating barrier (a quantum phenomenon known as tunnel magnetoresistance) and changes the sensor’s electrical resistance. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing electron

Rhymes for electron

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Browse Nearby Words

electromyograph
electron
electron affinity
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Cite this Entry

“Electron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electron. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electron

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