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ray¹ Definition

ray (rā)

noun

    1. any of the thin lines, or beams, of light that appear to come from a bright source
    2. a graphic representation of one of these, as in heraldry
    1. any of several lines radiating from a center; radius
    2. any straight line that extends from a point
  3. a disclosure of mental or spiritual enlightenment a ray of intelligence
  4. a tiny amount; slight trace a ray of hope
  5. Bot.
    1. ray flower
    2. any of the pedicels, or flower stalks, of an umbel
    3. a medullary ray
  6. Physics
    1. a stream of particles given off by a radioactive substance
    2. any of the particles in such a stream
    3. a straight line along which any part of a wave of radiant energy is regarded as traveling from its source to any given point
    4. a beam of radiant energy of very small diameter
  7. Zool.
    1. any of the bony spines supporting the fin membrane of a fish
    2. any of the sectors of a radially symmetrical animal, as a starfish

Etymology: OFr rai < L radius: see radius

intransitive verb

  1. to shine forth in rays
  2. to radiate

transitive verb

  1. to send out in rays; emit
  2. to supply with rays or radiating lines

ray¹ Related Forms

ray′·less adjective ray′·like′ adjective

ray² Definition

ray (rā)

noun

any of several orders (esp. Rajiformes) of cartilaginous fishes with a horizontally flat body, both eyes on the upper surface, widely expanded fins at each side, and a slender or whiplike tail, as the eagle rays, electric rays, and skates

Etymology: ME < MFr raie < L raia

Ray¹ Definition

Ray (rā)

noun

a masculine name

Ray² Definition

Ray (rā; for 2 rī, rā)

  1. Ray, Man 1890-1976; U.S. painter & photographer

  2. Ray, Satyajit 1921-92; Indian film writer & director

ray Synonyms

ray

n.

beam, flash, light, stream, gleam, blaze, sunbeam, wave, moonbeam, radiation, flicker, spark, irradiation, emanation, radiance, streak, shaft, pencil, patch, blink, glimmer, glitter, glint, sparkle.

Types of rays include: Roentgen, cosmic, ultraviolet, infrared, gamma, beta, alpha; X-ray, visible light, microwave, radio wave.

ray Telecom Definition

A thin beam of radiant energy, especially light.

ray Usage Examples

Converse of object

emit: Gamma rays emitted by the isotope that undergo Compton interactions in the detectors are tracked.

Converse of subject

bombard: The Earth is bombarded by gamma rays all the time, but usually there aren't enough to do any damage to us.

Adjective modifier

  • cosmic: Cosmic rays can cause bits to flip, latch up, or burn out in computer memories.
  • ultraviolet: The sun's ultraviolet rays are still bearing down on you.
  • crepuscular: With the sun rising behind there was a short display of upward crepuscular rays.
  • spotted: We even spotted a turtle happily munching away at the coral and a couple of blue spotted reef rays in the sand.
  • harmful: They are totally safe, with no emissions, smells, noise, or harmful rays.

Modifies a noun

  • albertini: Auto canada cheap in insurance pledge was just coming from the in the camp ray albertini special.
  • floret: The flower heads are made up of lemon-yellow ray florets.
  • burst: The group is part of the EU gamma ray burst network.
  • tube: Nearly all cathode ray tubes disposed of from domestic households end up in landfill.

Noun used with modifier

  • gamma: A burst of gamma rays from space lasting from a fraction of a second to many minutes.
  • cathode: Next april's wpt has been the of cathode rays in darkness produced.
  • manta: Later in the year, manta rays migrate up the coast in large numbers.
  • uranium: Products driven by uranium rays had spies then reported.
  • rontgen: Virtual unknown rated on them within was due at rontgen rays.
  • eagle: There, in the distance, was an eagle ray.

Possessives

sun: The sun's rays shone through the windows onto the newly painted upright pianos.

Preposition: of

  • sunshine: At last, a ray of sunshine finally arrived.
  • sunlight: The deep yellow rays of the morning sunlight streamed through the floral blinds making shadows like prison bars on the dusty carpet.