yttrium

yttrium
    n 1: a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth
         minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys [syn:
         {yttrium}, {Y}, {atomic number 39}]
    

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]
    

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.