sharedelectron
nounUK /ʃɛəd ɪˈlɛktrɒn/
US /ʃɛrd ɪˈlɛktrɑn/
A shared electron is an electron that two atoms hold together.
In a covalent bond, each atom contributes one shared electron.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. An electron whose quantum state is delocalized over more than one atom.
The shared electron cloud spreads across the entire benzene ring.
3. An electron counted jointly by two atoms when drawing Lewis structures.
Each shared electron in the diagram sits between the two bonded atoms.
4. An electron involved in metallic bonding and free to move among many atoms.
The shared electrons in a metal let it conduct electricity well.