Yttrium

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  yttrium
       n : a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth
           minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys [syn: {Y},
            {atomic number 39}]

From Elements database 20001107 [elements]:

  yttrium
  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.