: 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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Researchers demonstrated those effects using a quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulator, a magnetic topological material that blocks electrical current through its interior but allows electrons to travel along its edges in only one direction. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 The department had ordered a test called transmission electron microscopy, which uses an electron microscope to magnify and spot asbestos particles. Miceala Morano, Arkansas Online, 8 July 2026 In aggregate, Americans in retail choice markets paid almost $4 billion in overcharges to receive the same electrons that everyone else receives. Ed Hirs, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Researchers know that a nuclear detonation in orbit would flood the space around Earth with fast, energetic electrons. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 8 July 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

Cite this Entry

“Electron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electron. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: an elementary particle that has a negative charge of electricity and travels around the nucleus of an atom

Medical Definition

: 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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