electron

nounattested in dialogue

United Kingdom//ɪˈlɛk.tɹɒn//
United States//ɪˈlɛk.tɹɑn//

The subatomic particle having a negative charge and orbiting the nucleus; the flow of electrons in a conductor constitutes electricity.

noun

1
The subatomic particle having a negative charge and orbiting the nucleus; the flow of electrons in a conductor constitutes electricity.
2
obsoleteAlloys of magnesium and other metals, like aluminum or zinc, that were manufactured by the German company Chemische Fabrik Griesheim-Elektron⁽ᵈᵉ⁾.

Etymology

Blend of electric + ion, coined by Anglo-Irish scientist George Stoney in 1891, changed by him multiple times from an earlier electrolion and original electrine (used as early as 1874) as the name for the electric charge associated with a univalent ion. Compare electro-, -on. The particle ("corpuscule") was discovered in 1896. The name electrion was proposed for the particle in 1906 but curtailed because Hendrik Lorentz preferred electron.

Forms

plural: electrons

electrician · A tradesperson who installs, repairs and maintains electrical…electricity · Originally, a property of amber and certain other…electromagnetic · Relating to electromagnetism.

electron · The subatomic particle having a negative charge and orbiting the nucleus; the flow of electrons in a conductor constitutes electricity.

electronic · Of or pertaining to an electron or electrons.electronics · The study and use of electrical devices that operate by…electrons · The digital or electronic version of a document.

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