Etymologically
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electronics

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 12:58. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˌɛl.ɛkˈtɹɒn.ɪks/, /ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɒn.ɪks/ (UK); /ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɑ.nɪks/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is formed from electronic and -ics.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The branch of physics and technology dealing with the behaviour of electrons: 1910 in the OED and Etymonline;[4][2] MWU dates it to 1908.[5]

Semantic evolution

It deals with the behaviour of electrons in vacuums, gases and semiconductors.[2][3] The use for electronic devices and circuits themselves, as in consumer electronics, is later.[6][7]

Timeline

  • 1908 – first use (MWU).[5]
  • 1910 – the science.[4][2]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. The science and technology of the behaviour and control of electrons, as in transistors and circuits.
  2. (plural in use) Electronic devices or circuits.

Word family

  • bioelectronics
  • cryoelectronics
  • optoelectronics

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  4. ^ a b Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
  5. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  6. ^ The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1992), 3rd ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin
  7. ^ Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins