ray1
n.
- 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.
- an initial or slight indication of a positive or welcome quality:
a ray of hope.
- Mathematics any of a set of straight lines passing through one point.
- Botany any of the individual strap-shaped florets around the edge of the flower of a daisy or related plant.
- Zoology each of the long slender bony supports in the fins of most bony fishes.
- Zoology each radial arm of a starfish.
v.
- spread from or as if from a central point.
- literary radiate (light).
Phrase
- ray of sunshine
informal a person who brings happiness to others.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. rai, based on L. radius ‘spoke, ray’.
ray2
n.
a broad flat cartilaginous fish with wing-like pectoral fins and a long slender tail.
[Order Batiformes: many species.]
Etymology
ME: from OFr. raie, from L. raia.
ray3
n.
Music (in tonic sol-fa) the second note of a major scale.
▸the note D in the fixed-doh system.
Etymology
ME re, representing (as an arbitrary name for the note) the first syllable of resonare, taken from a Latin hymn.