yttrium

[ i-tree-uhm ]
/ ˈɪ tri əm /

noun Chemistry.

a rare trivalent metallic element, found in gadolinite and other minerals. Symbol: Y; atomic weight: 88.905; atomic number: 39; specific gravity: 4.47.

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Compare rare-earth element.

Origin of yttrium

1815–25; <New Latin, named after Ytterby.See ytterbia, -ium

OTHER WORDS FROM yttrium

yttric, adjective

Words nearby yttrium

ytterbite, ytterbium, ytterbium oxide, yttria, yttriferous, yttrium, yttrium metal, yttrium oxide, yttrotantalite, Yü, yuan
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for yttrium

British Dictionary definitions for yttrium

yttrium
/ (ˈɪtrɪəm) /

noun

a silvery metallic element occurring in monazite and gadolinite and used in various alloys, in lasers, and as a catalyst. Symbol: Y; atomic no: 39; atomic wt: 88.90585; valency: 3; relative density: 4.469; melting pt: 1522°C; boiling pt: 3338°C

Derived forms of yttrium

yttric, adjective

Word Origin for yttrium

C19: New Latin; see ytterbia
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for yttrium

yttrium
[ ĭt′rē-əm ]

n. Symbol Y

A silvery, ductile, rare-earth element used in various alloys. Atomic number 39.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for yttrium

yttrium
[ ĭt′rē-əm ]

Y

A silvery metallic element found in the same ores as elements of the lanthanide series. Yttrium is used to strengthen magnesium and aluminum alloys, to provide the red color in color televisions, and as a component of various optical and electronic devices. Atomic number 39; atomic weight 88.906; melting point 1,522°C; boiling point 3,338°C; specific gravity 4.45 (25°C); valence 3. See Periodic Table.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.