noun
ytterbium
ih-TUR-bee-um
Ytterbium (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the atomic number 70, symbol Yb. Example: “Ytterbium has the chemical symbol Yb.”
noun
1
technical A metallic chemical element with the atomic number 70, symbol Yb.
"Ytterbium has the chemical symbol Yb."
"The periodic table lists ytterbium as element number 70."
"The chemistry teacher asked us to find ytterbium on the periodic table."
How to use ytterbium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA metal element with atomic number 70, symbol Yb.
When to use it
It is a technical term used mainly in chemistry and science.
Memory tip
Ytterbium is normally uncountable, so you usually say ytterbium rather than a ytterbium.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
the element ytterbium
ytterbium atom
atomic number of ytterbium
symbol for ytterbium
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Fill the gap
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_____ has the chemical symbol Yb.
Etymology
The word was formed from Ytterby, a place in Sweden, plus the suffix -ium, which is used for chemical elements. It is a doublet of erbium, terbium and yttrium, which share the same origin.
Rhymes for ytterbium
See all rhymes for ytterbium →Frequently asked questions
What is ytterbium?
Ytterbium is a metallic chemical element with the atomic number 70. Its symbol is Yb.
How do you pronounce ytterbium?
In British English it is usually said ih-TUR-bee-um, with the stress on the second syllable.
Where does the name ytterbium come from?
It comes from Ytterby, a place in Sweden, with the ending -ium added. Several other elements' names come from the same source.
What is the meaning of ytterbium?
"ytterbium" (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the atomic number 70, symbol Yb.
