Word
electron
Phoneticselec·tron
US/ˌɪˈɫɛktɹɑn/
UK/ɪlˈɛktɹɒn/
Definitions
01subatomic particle
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical
n. a very small part of an atom that carries a negative electrical charge.
n. a subatomic particle with a negative elementary electric charge that orbits the atomic nucleus.
“Electricity is created when electrons move from one atom to another through a wire.”
“In a covalent bond, atoms achieve stability by sharing pairs of electrons, effectively filling their outermost shells.”
Usage
Countable noun; often used in the plural when discussing electrical flow or chemical bonding.
Antonyms
02magnesium alloy
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Archaic · Technical
n. a type of strong, light metal made from magnesium that was used in the past.
n. a trademarked series of magnesium alloys containing varying amounts of aluminium or zinc, historically significant in early twentieth-century engineering.
“The old airplane engine was made from a lightweight electron alloy.”
“The structural integrity of the vintage airframe relied on electron components, which offered an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for the period.”
Teaching tip
This sense is largely historical and refers to a specific brand of alloy; modern speakers almost exclusively use the word to refer to the subatomic particle.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “electron” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Electron microscopes can reveal structures far smaller than anything visible with ordinary light.” “This difference has been understood to arise from each metal's electronic structure, meaning how its electrons are arranged.” “Their modeling revealed that the near-infrared light released electrons from the germanium atoms, leaving "electron holes" and many free electrons.” “What happens when a superconductor becomes so thin that electrons can no longer behave as if they were moving through an ordinary three-dimensional piece of metal?” 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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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