ray
UK: reɪ | US: reɪ
n. a narrow beam of light or other radiant energy
n. a straight line extending from a point
n. a slight trace or indication of something
n. (zoology) a flattened extension of a fish's body, such as a fin spine
The word "ray" traces back to the Latin "radius," meaning "spoke of a wheel, beam of light." This reflects the original concept of lines radiating outward from a central point, like spokes or sunlight. The Old French "rai" preserved this meaning, which English later adopted. The word's core idea of "linear extension" persists in modern uses, from light beams to geometric lines.
A ray of sunlight streamed through the window.
The diver carefully avoided the stingray's venomous ray.
His words offered a ray of hope in the crisis.
The artist drew lines radiating like rays from the sun.
Scientists measured the X-ray's intensity.