ray
ray Lexical Profile
ray Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A narrow beam of light or other radiant energy.
"A single ray of sunlight pierced through the dark clouds, illuminating the valley below."
A slight indication or trace of something, usually positive.
"The new medical treatment provided a ray of hope for the patients battling the disease."
Any of various marine cartilaginous fishes of the superorder Batoidea, characterized by a flattened body and enlarged pectoral fins fused to the head.
"The diver spotted a large manta ray gliding gracefully over the coral reef."
• verb
To emit or send forth as beams of light or energy.
"The ancient lantern rayed its warm, golden light across the snowy path."
To spread out or issue from a central point.
"Deep wrinkles rayed out from the corners of the old sailor's eyes."
• Rhymes for ray
Word Origin & Etymology
The word 'ray' has two distinct etymologies: referring to a beam of light, it derives from Old French 'rai', from Latin 'radius' (staff, spoke, beam). Referring to the fish, it comes from Old French 'raie', from Latin 'raia'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.