Pronunciation: [ɪlˈɛktɹɒn] (IPA) 
The word "elektron" is spelled using the Greek alphabet, where "e" is represented by "η" (eta), "l" by "λ" (lambda), "k" by "κ" (kappa), "t" by "τ" (tau), "r" by "ρ" (rho), "o" by "ο" (omicron) and "n" by "ν" (nu). In phonetic transcription, "elektron" is pronounced as /ɪˈlɛktrɒn/. The word refers to an elementary particle carrying a negative charge, and it is used in the field of physics to describe the behavior of electrons.
Elektron, derived from the Greek word "ēlektron" meaning amber, refers to multiple interconnected definitions:
1. In physics:
- As a subatomic particle definition, elektron represents a stable elementary particle, carrying a negative electric charge and orbiting the nucleus of an atom. It typically combines with protons, which are positively charged particles, to form atoms.
- As a unit of charge definition, elektron denotes the basic unit of electric charge, having a value equal to approximately 1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs. This unit is used to measure the quantity of electric charge carried by electrons or other charged particles.
2. In ancient Greek science:
- Elektron refers to amber, a yellowish translucent fossil resin. This definition relates to the origin of the term, as early observations of amber possessing an ability to attract lightweight objects due to static electricity led to the word being associated with electric charge and subsequently, the particle known as an electron.
Overall, the term elektron encompasses its ancient roots describing amber and its modern implications as a foundational particle in the realm of physics and electricity.
Amber; an alloy of gold and silver; gold ore of a light brass colour, and containing more than 20 per cent of silver.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "elektron" comes from the Ancient Greek word "ēlektron" (ἤλεκτρον). The original meaning of "ēlektron" was "amber", which was a fossilized tree resin often used in jewelry. The term was later adopted in science to describe a phenomenon related to amber.
In the early days of scientific inquiry, scientists noticed that when amber was rubbed with certain materials like fur, it had the ability to attract lightweight objects such as feathers. This phenomenon was then termed "ēlektron". Over time, the term "ēlektron" expanded its meaning to refer to electricity as well, as the attraction exhibited by amber was believed to be connected to the electrical nature of the material.
The modern English term "electron" developed from "elektron" through various linguistic and phonetic shifts.
