(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
Rays of light are narrow beams of light.
...the first ~s of light spread over the horizon...
The sun’s ~s can penetrate water up to 10 feet.
N-COUNT
see also cosmic ~s , gamma ~s , X-~
2.
A ~ of hope, comfort, or other positive quality is a small amount of it that you welcome because it makes a bad situation seem less bad.
They could provide a ~ of hope amid the general business and economic gloom...
= glimmer
N-COUNT: N of n