Definition

1. Noun:
   • An elementary particle with negative charge: An electron is a fundamental subatomic particle that carries a negative electric charge. It is a key component of atoms, orbiting the atomic nucleus.

Usage

• The word "electron" is a countable noun. It is used in scientific contexts, particularly in physics and chemistry, to describe a specific type of particle.
• It is typically preceded by articles like "an" or "the" and can be modified by adjectives (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • An electron has a much smaller mass than a proton.
  • The flow of electrons through a conductor constitutes an electric current.
  • In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

Advanced Usage

• "Electron cloud": A region around an atomic nucleus where there is a high probability of finding an electron.
  • The electron cloud model represents the modern understanding of atomic structure.
• "Electron configuration": The distribution of electrons of an atom in atomic orbitals.
  • The chemical properties of an element are largely determined by its electron configuration.

Variants and Related Words

• Electronic (adj): Pertaining to electrons or devices that operate by the movement of electrons.
  • Electronic devices like computers are essential in modern life.
• Electronics (n): The branch of physics and technology concerned with the design of circuits using transistors and microchips, and the behavior of electrons.
  • He studied electronics at university.

Synonyms

• Negatron (n): A historical or less common term for an electron, emphasizing its negative charge. (Note: This is rarely used in modern contexts.)

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Free electron: An electron that is not bound to an atom.
  • Metals conduct electricity well because they have many free electrons.
• Valence electron: An electron in the outermost shell of an atom that can participate in forming chemical bonds.
  • The number of valence electrons determines an element's reactivity.

Noun

1. an elementary particle with negative charge