ray

1 of 3

noun (1)

: any of an order (Rajiformes) of usually marine cartilaginous fishes (such as stingrays and skates) having the body flattened dorsoventrally, the eyes on the upper surface, and enlarged pectoral fins fused with the head

ray

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
a
: any of the lines of light that appear to radiate from a bright object
b
: a beam of radiant energy (such as light) of small cross section
c(1)
: a stream of material particles traveling in the same line (as in radioactive phenomena)
(2)
: a single particle of such a stream
2
a
: light cast by rays : radiance
b
: a moral or intellectual light
3
: a thin line suggesting a ray: such as
a
: any of a group of lines diverging from a common center
b
4
a
: one of the bony rods that extend and support the membrane in the fin of a fish
b
: one of the radiating divisions of the body of a radiate animal (such as a starfish)
5
a
: a branch or flower stalk of an umbel
6
: particle, trace
a ray of hope
rayed adjective

ray

3 of 3

verb

rayed; raying; rays

intransitive verb

1
a
: to shine in or as if in rays
b
: to issue as rays
2
: to extend like the radii of a circle : radiate

transitive verb

1
: to emit in rays
2
: to furnish or mark with rays

Examples of ray in a Sentence

Verb klieg lights were raying against the nighttime sky at the Hollywood premiere laugh wrinkles rayed out from the corners of the old man's eyes
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
These new owners expect their boats to be designed with beach clubs with gyms, saunas, massage areas that allow owners and guests to work out or relax, amidst warm sun rays and luscious sea breezes. Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024 It’s made with other natural ingredients like Kukui oil and alpine caribou moss, while vitamins A, C, and E provide a powerful complex that repairs skin after UV ray exposure. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 This doormat keeps its function and quality intact, even against harsher weather conditions and UV rays. Lee Alisha Williams, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 Whether your child swims competitively or just loves jumping into the pool for occasional summer fun, goggles can help protect their eyes from chlorine and UV rays. Ambrosia V. Brody, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024 This fade-resistant canopy adds a burst of color to your patio, provides ample shade from the sun's rays, and features an easy-open crank mechanism and a convenient three-way tilt. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2024 Once the torch is put in that focal point, the sun’s rays ignite the torch. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 One full application keeps hair dazzling for three to four weeks and minimizes the effects of hard water and environmental damage from pollution and UV rays. Mary Honkus, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024 In addition to adding hydration and color, this moisturizer also protects your skin from broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays with SPF 20. Addie Morton, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ray.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English raye, from Anglo-French raie, from Latin raia

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French rai, from Latin radius rod, ray

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1598, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ray was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ray

Cite this Entry

“Ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ray. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ray

1 of 2 noun
: any of numerous flat broad fishes (as stingrays and skates) usually living on the sea bottom and having eyes on the upper surface of their bodies, a long narrow tail, and a skeleton made of cartilage

ray

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: one of the lines of light that appear to be given off by a bright object
b
: a thin beam of radiant energy (as light)
c
: a stream of particles (as electrons) traveling in the same line
2
a
: any of a group of lines coming from a common center
b
3
: a plant or animal structure that resembles a ray: as
b
: one of the bony rods in the fin of a fish
4
: a tiny bit
a ray of hope
Etymology

Noun

Middle English raye "the ray (fish)," from early French raie (same meaning), from Latin raia (same meaning)

Noun

Middle English ray "a beam of light," from early French rai (same meaning), from Latin radius "ray, beam, spoke" — related to radiate, radio, radius

Medical Definition

ray

1 of 2 noun
: any of numerous elasmobranch fishes (order Hypotremata) having the body flattened dorsoventrally, the eyes on the upper surface, and a much-reduced caudal region having typically a slender process often with venomous spines

ray

2 of 2 noun
1
: one of the lines of light that appear to radiate from a bright object
2
: a beam of radiant energy (as light) of small cross section
3
a
: a stream of material particles traveling in the same line (as in radioactive phenomena)
b
: a single particle of such a stream
rayed adjective

Biographical Definition

Ray 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

John 1627–1705 English naturalist

Ray

2 of 3

biographical name (2)

Nicholas 1911–1979 born Raymond Nicholas Kienzle American film director

Ray

3 of 3

biographical name (3)

Satyajit 1921–1992 Indian film director, writer, and producer

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