Ray

Definition

Ray primarily refers to a line of light that shines from a bright object, or a thin line of something, such as light, that spreads from its source.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /reɪ/
• Respelling: RAY (with "RAY" rhyming with "say")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /reɪ/
• Respelling: RAY (similar to American English, with "RAY" rhyming with "say")

In both dialects, "ray" is pronounced as a single syllable, and it rhymes with words like "say," "may," and "play." The pronunciation is straightforward and consistent across both American and British English.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "ray", from Old French "rei, rai", which means "strip, streak, ray", from Latin "radius" meaning "spoke of a wheel" or "ray of light".

Derivatives

• Rayed
• Rayless
• Ray-like
• Rayon
• X-ray

Synonyms

• Beam
• Shaft
• Radiance

Antonyms

• Darkness
• Shadow
• Obscurity

Usage

"Ray" is commonly used to describe a beam of light or other types of energy, such as X-rays. It can also pertain to a thin part of something that spreads out from a central point, especially in biology.

Related Terms

• Gamma ray
• Cathode ray
• Ray fin
• Stingray
• Sunray

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A narrow beam of light, heat, etc. traveling in a straight line from its source.
• Example: The sun's rays filtered through the trees.

• A very thin line or streak.
• Example: A ray of hope appeared when they found a potential solution.

• Any of the lines of light that appear to come from a bright source.
• Example: The sun's golden rays illuminated the room.

• One of the thin parts that form the frames of the fins of some fish.
• Example: The manta ray gets its name from its long, whip-like tail ray.

Verb

• To emit or send out (a beam, rays, or waves).
• Example: The sun was raying its light over the mountains.