noun
yttrium
IT-ree-uhm
Yttrium (noun) means a silvery metallic element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39, found mainly alongside lanthanide elements in rare earth minerals. Example: “Yttrium has atomic number 39.”
noun
1
A silvery metallic element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39, found mainly alongside lanthanide elements in rare earth minerals.
"Yttrium has atomic number 39."
"Yttrium is usually found combined with lanthanide elements."
"The symbol for yttrium is a single letter, Y."
How to use yttrium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe name of the silvery metal with atomic number 39.
When to use it
A technical word from chemistry, used in science teaching and writing.
Memory tip
Yttrium and ytterbium are different elements that share the same place-name origin, so check the spelling.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
yttrium atom
rare earth minerals
element yttrium
symbol Y
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Fill the gap
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_____ has atomic number 39.
Etymology
The name comes from Ytterby, a place in Sweden, plus the suffix -ium. It is a doublet of erbium, terbium and ytterbium.
Rhymes for yttrium
See all rhymes for yttrium →Frequently asked questions
What is yttrium?
Yttrium is a silvery metallic element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is mainly found together with lanthanide elements in rare earth minerals.
Where does the word yttrium come from?
It is named after Ytterby in Sweden, with the suffix -ium added.
What is the symbol for yttrium?
The symbol is Y.
What is the meaning of yttrium?
"yttrium" (noun) means a silvery metallic element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39, found mainly alongside lanthanide elements in rare earth minerals.
