Ray Definition & Meaning

ray
noun
  1. a column of light (as from a beacon)
  2. a branch of an umbel or an umbelliform inflorescence
  3. (mathematics) a straight line extending from a point
  4. a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation
  5. the syllable naming the second (supertonic) note of any major scale in solmization
  6. any of the stiff bony spines in the fin of a fish
  7. cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside; most swim by moving the pectoral fins
verb
  1. emit as rays; "That tower rays a laser beam for miles across the sky"
  2. extend or spread outward from a center or focus or inward towards a center; "spokes radiate from the hub of the wheel"; "This plants radiate spines in all directions"
  3. expose to radiation; "irradiate food"

Synonyms for ray

beam noun

a signal transmitted along a narrow path

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
irradiate verb

give spiritual insight to; in religion cast rays of light upon expose to radiation; "irradiate food"

♫ Rhymes
radiate adj

arranged like rays or radii; radiating from a common center; "radial symmetry

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
re noun

a rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that resembles manganese chemically and is used in some alloys

♫ Rhymes
shaft noun

a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Ray" in song lyrics

See how ray is used in real songs:

  • "Of getting a pay, getting away, catching a ray"
    The 49ers — Champagne
  • "Where we check by the black Ray"
    Above the Law f/ MC Ren — Killaz in the Park
  • "And don't think you can run up on the one they call Ray"
    The Almighty RSO — One in the Chamba

Words that rhyme with ray

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Usage tips for "ray"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "ray" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for ray to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with ray ↔ Synonyms for ray 🔬 Words containing ray

Frequently asked questions

What does ray mean?
a column of light (as from a beacon) a branch of an umbel or an umbelliform inflorescence (mathematics) a straight line extending from a point a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation the syllable naming the second (supertonic) note of any major scale in solmization any of the stiff bony spines in the fin of a fish cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside
What part of speech is ray?
Ray is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does ray have?
Ray has 10 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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