An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A precision experiment for measuring the → electron charge. By studying the falling speed of small charged droplets in the gravitational field of the Earth subjected to an adjustable electric field, Millikan (1909) was able to demonstrate conclusively the discrete nature of electric charge, and moreover measure the charge of an individual electron.

See also: Robert Andrews Millikan (1868-1953); → experiment.