electron
Also called neg·a·tron [neg-uh-tron] /ˈnɛg əˌtrɒn/ .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.
Electricity. a unit of charge equal to the charge on one electron.
Origin of electron
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use electron in a sentence
And instead of carrying cars and trucks, it will carry electrons.
That law governs all sorts of phenomena, including rocket engines, collisions between electrons, and car wrecks.
Dear NASA: Fuel-Free Rocket Thruster Is Literally Too Good to Be True | Matthew R. Francis | August 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe electromagnetic force between the electrons lets you pick up the cup, counteracting gravity in the process.
The Equivalence Principle and Testing Einstein With Spaceships and Atoms | Matthew R. Francis | June 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTElectrons and positrons have opposite electric charges, so they happily and fatally attract each other.
The gravity is enough to squeeze atoms until electrons combine with protons to make neutrons.
See pp. 42, 252, for the expression of the changes as transfers of electrons.
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2. | Julius StieglitzModern science has demonstrated that all matter is simply the activity of electrons, minute particles of electric force.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society | Upton SinclairEach atom has proved to be a remarkable constellation of electrons, a colossal reservoir of energy.
Communism and Christianism | William Montgomery BrownRound a central sun, termed a Proton, whirl a number of electrons in rhythmic motion and incessant swing.
Spirit and Music | H. Ernest HuntAs water flows downhill, "seeking it's level," electrons flow from negative to positive, seeking to "balance" the charge.
Electricity for the 4-H Scientist | Eric B. Wilson
British Dictionary definitions for electron
/ (ɪˈlɛktrɒn) /
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
Origin of electron
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for electron
[ ĭ-lĕk′trŏn′ ]
A stable elementary particle in the lepton family having a mass at rest of 9.107 X 10-28 grams and a negative electric charge of approximately 1.602 X 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.
A positron or a negatron.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for electron
[ (i-lek-tron) ]
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 for electron
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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