Y, the twenty-fifth letter of the English alphabet, at the beginning of a word or syllable, except when a prefix (see Y-), is usually a fricative vocal consonant; as a prefix, and usually in the middle or at the end of a syllable, it is a vowel. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 145, 178-9, 272. [ 1913 Webster ]

It derives its form from the Latin Y, which is from the Greek Υ, originally the same letter as V. Etymologically, it is most nearly related to u, i, o, and j. g; as in full, fill, AS. fyllan; E. crypt, grotto; young, juvenile; day, AS. dæg. See U, I, and J, G. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Y has been called the Pythagorean letter, because the Greek letter Υ was taken to represent the sacred triad, formed by the duad proceeding from the monad; and also because it represents the dividing of the paths of vice and virtue in the development of human life. [ 1913 Webster ]

pron. I. [ Obs. ] King Horn. Wyclif. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Y's it>or Ys. Something shaped like the letter Y; a forked piece resembling in form the letter Y. Specifically: (a) One of the forked holders for supporting the telescope of a leveling instrument, or the axis of a theodolite; a wye. (b) A forked or bifurcated pipe fitting. (c) (Railroads) A portion of track consisting of two diverging tracks connected by a cross track. [ 1913 Webster ]

Y level (Surv.), an instrument for measuring differences of level by means of a telescope resting in Y's. --
Y moth (Zool.), a handsome European noctuid moth Plusia gamma) which has a bright, silvery mark, shaped like the letter Y, on each of the fore wings. Its larva, which is green with five dorsal white species, feeds on the cabbage, turnip, bean, etc. Called also gamma moth, and silver Y. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. Yea. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Jacare. ] (Zool.) A South American crocodilian (Jacare sclerops) resembling the alligator in size and habits. The eye orbits are connected together, and surrounded by prominent bony ridges. Called also spectacled alligator, and spectacled cayman. [ Written also jacare. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The name is also applied to allied species. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Bot.) A West Indian name for two large timber trees (Podocarpus coriaceus, and Podocarpus Purdicanus) of the Yew family. The wood, which is much used, is pale brownish with darker streaks. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ D. jagt, jacht; perhaps properly, a chase, hunting, from. jagen to chase, hunt, akin to G. jagen, OHG. jagōn, of uncertain origin; or perhaps akin to OHG. gāhi quick, sudden (cf. Gay). ] (Naut.) A light and elegantly furnished vessel, used either for private parties of pleasure, or as a vessel of state to convey distinguished persons from one place to another; a seagoing vessel used only for pleasure trips, racing, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Yacht measurement. See the Note under Tonnage, 4. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To manage a yacht; to voyage in a yacht. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One engaged in sailing a yacht. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Sailing for pleasure in a yacht. [ 1913 Webster ]