yttrium

yt·tri·um  (tr-m)

n. Symbol Y

A silvery metallic element, not a rare earth but occurring in nearly all rare-earth minerals, used in various metallurgical applications, notably to increase the strength of magnesium and aluminum alloys. 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 Table at element.

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[From yttria.]

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yttric (trk) adj.

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yttrium [it-ree-um]

Noun

Chem a silvery metallic element used in various alloys and in lasers Symbol: Y[see ytterbium]

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yttrium  (tr-m)

Symbol 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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

yttrium - a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys atomic number 39, Y metal, metallic element - any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc. fergusonite - a dark mineral consisting of oxides of yttrium and erbium and tantalum and other minerals gadolinite, ytterbite - a mineral that is a source of rare earths; consists of silicates of iron and beryllium and cerium and yttrium and erbium xenotime - a brown-to-yellow mineral that is a phosphate of yttrium in crystalline form