electron

[ ih-lek-tron ]

noun

1. Also called neg·a·tron [neg, -, uh, -tron]. 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 ^–19coulomb, a rest mass of 9.109 381 88 × 10 ^–31kilogram, a radius of 2.817 940 285 × 10 ^–15metre, and a spin of 1 2

electron

/ ĭ-lĕk′trŏn′ /

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 positronSee also electromagnetismSee 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 ).

Notes

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

Using advanced imaging techniques like atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering, the team characterized the unique shapes and arrangement patterns of these synthetic chlorophyll assemblies.

From Science Daily

The team used electrocatalysis, a type of chemical reaction initiated by electron transfers to and from reactants on surfaces of catalysts, to convert carbon dioxide into biocompatible intermediates, such as acetate and ethanol.

From Science Daily

Instead of the well-ordered characteristics of ferromagnets, these materials are disordered and the electrons within them connect magnetically via a process called quantum entanglement.

From Science Daily

Finally elementary particles are protons, electrons, neutrons and all other particles that are smaller than an atom.

From Salon

When viewed under a scanning electron microscope, the powder resembles tiny basketballs with billions of holes, said study leader Zihui Zhou, a materials chemist who is working on his PhD at UC Berkeley.

From Los Angeles Times

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