Ray

RAY, n. [L. 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, n. A fish; a common name for the species of the genus Raia, including the skate, thornback, torpedo, stingray, c.

RAY, v.t

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.