any of a family (Dasyatidae, order Myliobatiformes) of large rays having a long, whiplike tail with one or more usually poisonous spines that can inflict painful wounds
See stingray in American Heritage Dictionary 4
sting·ray
noun
Any of various rays of the family Dasyatidae, having a whiplike tail armed with one or more venomous spines capable of inflicting severe injury. Also called stingaree.