'Yttrium' definitions:
Definition of 'yttrium'
(from WordNet)
noun
A silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys [syn: yttrium, Y, atomic number 39]
Definition of 'Yttrium'
From: GCIDE
- Yttrium \Yt"tri*um\, n. [NL., from Ytterby, in Sweden. See Erbium.] (Chem.) A rare metallic element of the boron-aluminium group, found in gadolinite and other rare minerals, and extracted as a dark gray powder. Symbol Y. Atomic number 39. Atomic weight, 88.9. [Written also ittrium.] [1913 Webster +PJC]
- Note: Associated with yttrium are certain rare elements, as erbium, ytterbium, samarium, etc., which are separated in a pure state with great difficulty. They are studied by means of their spark or phosphorescent spectra. Yttrium is now regarded as probably not a simple element, but as a mixture of several substances. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'yttrium'
From: Elements
- Symbol: Y
- Atomic number: 39
- Atomic weight: 88.905
- Silvery-grey metallic element of group 3 on the periodic table. Found in uranium ores. The only natural isotope is Y-89, there are 14 other artificial isotopes. Chemically resembles the lanthanoids. Stable in the air below 400 degrees, celsius. Discovered in 1828 by Friedrich Wohler.