: 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
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
b(1)
(2)
rayed; raying; rays
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
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
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2024
The scientists developed a transmitter that can produce a variety of patterns of terahertz rays.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, Korean sunscreens use a second system that measures a product’s ability to defend against UVA rays (the type of sun rays that accelerate signs of aging, including hyperpigmentation, textural changes, and fine lines).
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024
Additionally, the antioxidants in vitamin C can neutralize free radicals, which Dr. Engelman says protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024
The cream color-corrects various complexion concerns, while also protecting against the sun’s rays thanks to SPF 30.
—Kylee McGuigan, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
Tradition calls for the flame to be lit by sun rays reflected off a mirror and the fire symbolizes peace and friendship among neighboring countries.
—Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2024
The sky darkened, Lucas said, encompassing the Ohio hospital room in an eerie darkness with a few dim rays of light peaking through.
—Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
Each pair features lenses with UV400 protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
Noun
The ozone layer is anemic from years of abuse, leaving little protection from UV rays.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2024
The scientists developed a transmitter that can produce a variety of patterns of terahertz rays.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, Korean sunscreens use a second system that measures a product’s ability to defend against UVA rays (the type of sun rays that accelerate signs of aging, including hyperpigmentation, textural changes, and fine lines).
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024
Additionally, the antioxidants in vitamin C can neutralize free radicals, which Dr. Engelman says protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024
The cream color-corrects various complexion concerns, while also protecting against the sun’s rays thanks to SPF 30.
—Kylee McGuigan, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
Tradition calls for the flame to be lit by sun rays reflected off a mirror and the fire symbolizes peace and friendship among neighboring countries.
—Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2024
The sky darkened, Lucas said, encompassing the Ohio hospital room in an eerie darkness with a few dim rays of light peaking through.
—Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
Each pair features lenses with UV400 protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near ray
Cite this Entry
“Ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ray. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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 noun1
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
a
b
: one of the bony rods in the fin of a fish
4
: a tiny bit
a ray of hope
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 noun1
: 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
Biographical Definition
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