~ 1
■ 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.
↘( ~s ) a specified form of non-luminous radiation: ultraviolet ~s.
↘( ~s ) informal, chiefly N. Amer. sunlight considered in the context of sunbathing.
2》 an initial or slight indication of a positive or welcome quality: a ~ 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
~ of sunshine informal a person who brings happiness to others.
Derivatives
-~ed adjective
~less adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. rai , based on L. radius 'spoke, ~'.
————————
~ 2
■ 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 .
————————
~ 3
(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.