1. 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.
Phrases and idioms:
ray gun (esp. in science fiction) a gun causing injury or damage by the emission of rays.
Derivatives:
rayed adj. rayless adj. raylet n.
Etymology: ME f. OF rai f. L radius: see RADIUS 2. n. a large cartilaginous fish of the order Batoidea, with a broad flat body, winglike pectoral fins and a long slender tail, used as food.
Etymology: ME f. OF raie f. L raia 3. n. (also re) Mus.
1. (in tonic sol-fa) the second note of a major scale.
2 the note D in the fixed-doh system.
Etymology: ME re f. L resonare: see GAMUT