ray1

 
Pronunciation: /reɪ/

noun

  • 1each of the lines in which light (and heat) may seem to stream from the sun or any luminous body, or pass through a small opening: a ray of sunlight came through the window
  • the straight line in which light or other electromagnetic radiation travels to a given point: take a specific point and back-trace every ray of light that hits that point
  • (with adjective or noun modifier rays) a specified form of non-luminous radiation: ultraviolet rays
  • (rays) informal, chiefly North American sunlight considered in the context of sunbathing: catch some rays on a sandy beach
  • an initial or slight indication of a positive or welcome quality: if only I could see some ray of hope
  • 2 Mathematics any of a set of straight lines passing through one point: the ray that runs from the centre of the circle to the point of tangency
  • 3a thing that is arranged radially, in particular:
  • Botany any of the individual strap-shaped florets around the edge of the flower of a daisy or related plant.
  • (also fin ray) Zoology each of the long slender bony supports in the fins of most bony fishes.
  • Zoology each radial arm of a starfish.

verb

[no object, with adverbial of direction]
  • spread from or as if from a central point: delicate lines rayed out at each corner of her eyes
  • [with object and adverbial of direction] literary radiate (light): the sun rays forth its natural light into the air

Phrases

ray of sunshine

informal a person who brings happiness into the lives of others: he hasn’t exactly been a ray of sunshine up to now

Derivatives

rayless

adjective (chiefly Botany)

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French rai, based on Latin radius 'spoke, ray'. The verb dates from the late 16th century