ray

Pluralrays

Formsrays, raying, rayed

1. 1
   beam of radiationnouncountable

   A thin beam of light or other radiation.

   Like a thin line of light shining from a flashlight.

   A ray of sunlight came through the window.

   The sun's rays felt warm on her face.

   UsageSay a ray of light, or the sun's rays.

   Similarbeam, shaft, streak

   Note
2. 2
   flat fishnouncountable

   A flat fish, usually living in the sea, with wide, wing-like fins and often a long, thin tail.

   Like a flat kite moving through the water.

   A ray glided silently across the sandy seabed.

   A big ray swam slowly along the bottom of the tank.

   Note
3. 3
   hint of hopenouncountable

   A small bit of something good, like hope or comfort, especially at a hard time.

   The doctor's news gave the worried family a ray of hope.

   Her visit was a ray of sunshine during his long stay in the hospital.

   UsageOften a ray of hope or a ray of comfort: a small sign of something good, especially during difficulty.

   Similarglimmer, flicker, gleam, spark

   Note
4. 4
   geometry linenouncountable

   A straight line that starts at one point and goes on forever in one direction.

   Like a flashlight beam that starts at the lamp and keeps going.

   Draw a ray starting from point A on your paper.

   Each side of an angle is a ray that starts at the corner.

   Note
5. 5
   flower partnouncountable

   One of the petal-like parts around the edge of a flower such as a daisy or sunflower, each really a tiny flower.

   Like the outer petals spreading out around the middle of a daisy.

   Each ray of the sunflower looks like a single petal.

   The daisy's white rays surround a yellow center.

   Note
6. 6
   fin bonenouncountable

   One of the thin, stiff rods that support a fish's fin.

   Like the thin sticks that hold open a paper fan.

   Each ray in the fin helps the fish steer through the water.

   The dorsal fin is held up by stiff rays.

   Note

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