ray

I

[[t]reɪ[/t]]

n.

1) a narrow beam of light

2) a slight manifestation:

a ray of hope[/ex]

3) radiance

4) opt phs opt

a) any of the lines or streams in which light appears to radiate from a luminous body

b) the straight line normal to the wave front in the propagation of radiant energy

c) a stream of particles all moving in the same straight line

Compare gamma ray alpha ray

5) math.

a) one of a system of straight lines emanating from a point

b) the part of a straight line considered as originating at a point on the line and as extending in one direction from that point

6) any of a system of parts radially arranged

7) zool.

a) one of the branches or arms of a starfish or other radiate animal

b) one of the bony or cartilaginous rods in the fin of a fish

8) Bot.

a) bot

ray flower

b) bot one of the branches of an umbel

c) bot

medullary ray

9) astron. one of many long, bright streaks radiating from some large lunar craters

10) to emit rays

11) to issue in rays

12) to send forth in rays

13) to throw rays upon; irradiate

14) med to subject to the action of rays, as in radiotherapy

•

- get or grab some rays

Etymology: 1300–50; ME raie, raye < OF rai < L radius II

ray

[[t]reɪ[/t]] n.

ich any of numerous elasmobranch fishes having a flattened body and greatly enlarged pectoral fins with the gills on the undersides

•

Etymology: 1275–1325; ME raye (< OF rai) < L raia