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yttrium

(i′trē əm)

noun

a rare, trivalent, silvery, metallic chemical element found in combination in gadolinite, monazite sand, samarskite, etc.: used in color TV tubes, alloys, etc.: symbol, Y; at. no., 39

Origin: ModL < yttria + -ium: name proposed (1822) before isolation of the element by Mosander (see erbium) in 1843

See yttrium in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun 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.

Origin:

Origin: From yttria

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