RAY

n. & v. --n. 1 a single line or narrow beam of light from a small or distant source. 2 a straight line in which radiation travels to a given point. 3 (in pl.) radiation of a specified type (gamma rays; X-rays). 4 a trace or beginning of an enlightening or cheering influence (a ray of hope). 5 a any of a set of radiating lines or parts of things. b any of a set of straight lines passing through one point. 6 the marginal portion of a composite flower, e.g. a daisy. 7 a a radial division of a starfish. b each of a set of bones etc. supporting a fish's fin. --v. 1 intr. (foll. by forth, out) (of light, thought, emotion, etc.) issue in or as if in rays. 2 intr. & tr. radiate. øray gun (esp. in science fiction) a gun causing injury or damage by the emission of rays. øørayed adj. rayless adj. raylet n. [ME f. OF rai f. L radius: see RADIUS]