electrons

 [ih-lek-tron]   Example Sentences

e·lec·tron

   [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 1/2, 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.
Origin:
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 (see electric)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Electrons is always a great word to know.
So is doohickey. Does it mean:
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
LEARN MORE UNUSUAL WORDS WITH WORD DYNAMO...
Example Sentences
  • When voltage is applied, the polymer's electrons are raised to a higher energy level.
  • The negatively charged electrons migrate to the wire, where they emit coherent beams of microwave radiation for the radar signal.
  • Once those electrons have been excited, they need somewhere to go.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
electron   (ĭ-lěk'trŏn')  Pronunciation Key 

  1. A stable elementary particle in the lepton family having a mass at rest of 9.107 × 10-28 grams and an 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. Compare positron. See also electromagnetism, elementary particle, ion. See Table at subatomic particle.

  2. A positron or a negatron. See more at negatron.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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