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ytterbia

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈɪtərbiə/

KK: /ˈɪtərˌbɪə/

noun
Definition

A chemical element with the symbol Yb and atomic number 70, belonging to the lanthanide series of the periodic table.


Example

Ytterbia is used in various applications, including electronics and materials science.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of ytterbia?
Sloth B
No, I haven't. What is it?
Sloth A
It's a compound related to ytterbium, used in some scientific applications.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I love learning about new materials.
Root Explanation

The word 'ytterbia' originates from the name of the mineral 'ytterbite', which was named after the village of Ytterby in Sweden, where it was first discovered. The suffix '-ia' is commonly used in scientific nomenclature to denote a place or condition. Therefore, 'ytterbia' refers to a substance derived from or related to ytterbite, specifically in the context of chemistry or mineralogy.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ytterbite' as the source of 'ytterbia', which helps you remember that 'ytterbia' is a substance related to that mineral discovered in Ytterby.

Visually Confused Words
yttria
terbia
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