electron

[ih-lek-tron]

noun

1. Also called negatron. Physics, Chemistry.,  an elementary particle that is a fundamental constituent of matter, having a negative charge of 1.602 × 10 −19 coulombs, a mass of 9.108 × 10 −31 kilograms, and spin of ½, and existing independently or as the component outside the nucleus of an atom.

2. Electricity.,  a unit of charge equal to the charge on one electron.

electron

/ ɪˈlɛktrɒn /

noun

1. a stable elementary particle present in all atoms, orbiting the nucleus in numbers equal to the atomic number of the element in the neutral atom; a lepton with a negative charge of 1.602 176 462 × 10 ^–19 coulomb, a rest mass of 9.109 381 88 × 10 ^–31 kilogram, a radius of 2.817 940 285 × 10 ^–15 metre, and a spin of 1/ 2

electron

1. A stable elementary particle in the lepton family having a mass at rest of 9.107 × 10 ^{- 28} grams and a negative electric charge of approximately 1.602 × 10 ^{- 19} coulombs. Electrons orbit about the positively charged nuclei of atoms in distinct orbitals of different energy levels, called shells. Electrons are the primary charge carriers in electric current.

2. Compare positron See also electromagnetism elementary particle ion See Table at subatomic particle

3. A positron or a negatron.

electron

1. An elementary particle with a negative charge and a very small mass. Electrons are normally found in orbits around the nucleus of an atom. The chemical reactions that an atom undergoes depend primarily on the electrons in the outermost orbits (the valence electrons).

The movement of large numbers of electrons through conductors constitutes an electric current.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electron¹

Term first suggested in 1891 by Irish physicist G. J. Stoney (1826–1911); electr(ic) + -on (from the names of charged particles, as ion, cation, anion ) with perhaps accidental allusion to Greek ḗlektron amber ( electric )

Word History and Origins

Origin of electron¹

C19: from _electro- + _-on

Example Sentences

Their research reveals why the first movements of electrons, which are crucial for transferring energy, occur through only one side of a key protein-pigment structure.

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Su has described herself as an “engineer’s engineer” who is fascinated by device physics, a discipline that studies how machines can interact with tiny particles like electrons and protons.

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This large computing power was essential to solve Maxwell's equations and the equations of motion for electrons and positrons according to Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity.

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It refers to what particles like the electron do in the sub-atomic world.

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She tried to walk the judge through electron microscopy and different acids.

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