ray
ray
Ray (noun) means a narrow beam of light or other radiation. Example: “A single ray of sunlight broke through the clouds.”
noun
1
A narrow beam of light or other radiation.
"A single ray of sunlight broke through the clouds."
"A ray of light came through the gap in the curtains."
"The torch sent a thin ray across the dark attic floor."
2
A line extending endlessly in one direction from a fixed point (in geometry).
"The diagram showed a ray starting at point A."
"In geometry class we drew a ray that never stops at one end."
"Unlike a line segment, a ray has only one fixed starting point."
3
A flat-bodied fish related to sharks, with wide wing-like fins and a whip-like tail.
"A ray glided silently along the ocean floor."
"We saw a ray flap its wide fins over the sandy seabed."
"The diver watched a ray hide under the sand near the rocks."
verb
1
To spread outward from a central point, like light.
"Cracks rayed out from the point of impact on the windshield."
"Bright lines of light rayed out from behind the hilltop at sunrise."
"The paths ray out from the fountain in the middle of the park."
How to use ray
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA beam of light, a geometric line from a point, or a flat-bodied ocean fish.
Common pairings
ray of sunlight
ray of hope
stingray
x-ray
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Word forms
- Plural
- rays
- Third person singular
- rays
- Past tense
- rayed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A single _____ of sunlight broke through the clouds.
Etymology
Borrowed through Old French rai from Latin radius ("spoke, staff") — the same root as "radius" and "radiate."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ray
See all rhymes for ray →Frequently asked questions
What does “ray” mean?
The word “ray” means a narrow beam of light or other radiation. In plain terms, a beam of light, a geometric line from a point, or a flat-bodied ocean fish.
How do you pronounce “ray”?
“Ray” is pronounced ray (/ɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ray” in a sentence?
Here is “ray” used in a sentence: “A single ray of sunlight broke through the clouds.”
What is another word for “ray”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ray” include Arsacia.
What part of speech is “ray”?
Depending on how it is used, “ray” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ray” come from?
The word “ray” comes from Latin. Borrowed through Old French rai from Latin radius ("spoke, staff") — the same root as "radius" and "radiate.".
Is “ray” a common word?
“Ray” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “ray” have?
“Ray” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow beam of light or other radiation.
What is the difference between a ray and a beam?
A ray is a single, narrow line of light or radiation travelling in one direction. A beam is a broader stream made up of many rays grouped together. So a laser produces a tight beam, while a single ray is the thinnest element within it. In everyday use the words overlap, but a beam is generally wider.
What are the different types of rays?
In terms of light and radiation, common types include sun rays (visible light), ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays. They differ mainly in wavelength and energy, from harmless visible light to high-energy X-rays and gamma rays used in medicine and produced by stars.
What is an example of a ray?
A shaft of sunlight breaking through clouds is a familiar example of a ray, a narrow beam of visible light. Other examples include the ray from a torch or laser pointer, an X-ray used in hospitals, and the ultraviolet rays from the sun that cause sunburn on exposed skin.
Does the word ray have other meanings?
Yes. Besides a narrow beam of light or radiation, ray is a geometry term for a line that starts at one point and extends infinitely in one direction. It is also the name of a flat-bodied sea fish related to the shark, and a short form of the name Raymond. Context makes the meaning clear.
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