yttrium

[ i-tree-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a rare trivalent metallic element, found in gadolinite and other minerals. : Y; : 88.905; : 39; : 4.47.

yttrium

/ ˈɪtrɪəm /

noun

1. 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

yttrium

/ ĭt′rē-əm /

1. 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.
2. See Periodic Table

Derived Forms

• ˈyttric, adjective

Other Words From

• yttric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of yttrium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of yttrium¹

C19: New Latin; see ytterbia

Example Sentences

Erbium, a rare metal found along with yttrium, terbium, and other rare elements in some rare minerals.

From Project Gutenberg

Its group members, scandium and yttrium, have the same form; we have not examined the fourth; the group is positive.

From Project Gutenberg

One funnel of yttrium contains exactly the same number of atoms as is contained in a gaseous atom of nitrogen.

From Project Gutenberg

Nitrogen has nothing new to show us, all its constituents having appeared in scandium and yttrium.

From Project Gutenberg

In yttrium, on the proto level, a 110 and b 63 both escape from the funnel, and behave as in scandium.

From Project Gutenberg