ray

ray

ray¹ [rā]

n.

[OFr rai < L radius: see RADIUS]

1.

a) any of the thin lines, or beams, of light that appear to come from a bright source

b) a graphic representation of one of these, as in heraldry

2.

a) any of several lines radiating from a center; radius

b) 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.

a) RAY FLOWER

b) any of the pedicels, or flower stalks, of an umbel

c) a medullary ray

6. Physics

a) a stream of particles given off by a radioactive substance

b) any of the particles in such a stream

c) a straight line along which any part of a wave of radiant energy is regarded as traveling from its source to any given point

d) a beam of radiant energy of very small diameter

7. Zool.

a) any of the bony spines supporting the fin membrane of a fish

b) any of the sectors of a radially symmetrical animal, as a starfish

vi.

1. to shine forth in rays

2. to radiate

vt.

1. to send out in rays; emit

2. to supply with rays or radiating lines

rayless

adj.

raylike

adj.

ray² [rā]

n.

[ME < MFr raie < L raia]

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