ray1
¦ noun
1. each of the lines in which light seems to stream from the sun or any luminous body, or pass through a small opening.
the straight line in which light or other electromagnetic radiation travels to a given point.
(rays) a specified form of non-luminous radiation: ultraviolet rays.
(rays) informal, chiefly N. Amer. sunlight considered in the context of sunbathing.
2. an initial or slight indication of a positive or welcome quality: a ray of hope.
3. Mathematics any of a set of straight lines passing through one point.
4. Botany any of the individual strap-shaped florets around the edge of the flower of a daisy or related plant.
5. Zoology each of the long slender bony supports in the fins of most bony fishes.
6. Zoology each radial arm of a starfish.
¦ verb
1. spread from or as if from a central point.
2. literary radiate (light).
Phrases
ray of sunshine informal a person who brings happiness to others.
Derivatives
-rayed adjective
rayless adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. rai, based on L. radius 'spoke, ray'.
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ray2
¦ noun a broad flat cartilaginous fish with wing-like pectoral fins and a long slender tail. [Order Batiformes: many species.]
Origin
ME: from OFr. raie, from L. raia.
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ray3
(also re)
¦ noun Music (in tonic sol-fa) the second note of a major scale.
?the note D in the fixed-doh system.
Origin
ME re, representing (as an arbitrary name for the note) the first syllable of resonare, taken from a Latin hymn.