Electronics
/ɪˌlɛkˈtrɒn.ɪks/noun
The branch of physics and technology concerned with the behavior and movement of electrons and the devices that use them.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Greek *ēlektron* meaning “amber,” because ancient observers noticed amber could attract lightweight objects after being rubbed—an early clue to static electricity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ēlektron
“amber, especially the golden fossil resin”
Late Latin
Latin
electrum
“amber; later, a gold-silver alloy”
17th Century
English
electric
“relating to amber-like electrical attraction”
19th Century
English
electron
“the negatively charged particle discovered in atomic physics”
20th Century
English
electronics
“the science and technology of controlling electron flow in devices”