Definitions for the word "ray" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. t.
To array.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To mark, stain, or soil; to streak; to defile.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
Array; order; arrangement; dress.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
One of a number of lines or parts diverging from a common point or center, like the radii of a circle; as, a star of six rays.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A radiating part of a flower or plant; the marginal florets of a compound flower, as an aster or a sunflower; one of the pedicels of an umbel or other circular flower cluster; radius. See Radius.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
One of the radiating spines, or cartilages, supporting the fins of fishes.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
One of the spheromeres of a radiate, especially one of the arms of a starfish or an ophiuran.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A line of light or heat proceeding from a radiant or reflecting point; a single element of light or heat propagated continuously; as, a solar ray; a polarized ray.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
One of the component elements of the total radiation from a body; any definite or limited portion of the spectrum; as, the red ray; the violet ray. See Illust. under Light.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
Sight; perception; vision; -- from an old theory of vision, that sight was something which proceeded from the eye to the object seen.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
One of a system of diverging lines passing through a point, and regarded as extending indefinitely in both directions. See Half-ray.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
To mark with long lines; to streak.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
To send forth or shoot out; to cause to shine out; as, to ray smiles.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. i.
To shine, as with rays.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
Any one of numerous elasmobranch fishes of the order Raiae, including the skates, torpedoes, sawfishes, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
In a restricted sense, any of the broad, flat, narrow-tailed species, as the skates and sting rays. See Skate.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. n.
1 single line or narrow beam of light from a small or distant source. 2 straight line in which radiation travels to a given point. 3 (in pl.) Radiation of a specified type (x-rays). 4 trace or beginning of an enlightening or cheering influence (ray of hope). 5 any of a set of radiating lines, parts, or things. 6 marginal floret of a composite flower, e.g. A daisy. [latin *radius]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
18. n.
Large edible marine fish with a flat body and a long slender tail. [latin raia]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
19. n.
(also re) mus. Second note of a major scale. [latin resonare, word arbitrarily taken]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
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