ray

RAY, noun [Latin radius.] 1. a line of light, or the right line supposed to be described by a particle of light. a collection of parallel rays constitutes a beam; a collection of diverging or converging rays, a pencil. The mixed solar beam contains, 1st. calorific rays, producing heat and expansion, but not vision and color; 2d. colorific rays, producing vision and color, but not heat nor expansion; 3d. chimical rays, producing certain effects on the composition of bodies, but neither heat, expansion, vision or color; 4th. a power producing magnetism, but whether a distinct or associated power, is not determined. It seems to be associated with the violet, more than with the other rays. 2. Figuratively, a beam of intellectual light. 3. Light; luster. The air sharpen'd his visual ray 4. In botany, the outer part or circumference of a compound radiate flower. 5. In ichthyology, a bony or cartilaginous ossicle in the fins of fishes, serving to support the membrane. 6. A plant, [lolium.] 7. ray for array. [Not in use.] Pencil of rays, a number of rays of light issuing from a point and diverging. RAY, noun A fish; a common name for the species of the genus Raia, including the skate, thornback, torpedo, stingray, etc. RAY, verb intransitive 1. To streak; to mark with long lines. 2. To foul; to beray. [Not in use.] 3. To array. [Not in use.] 4. To shoot forth.