Ray Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/reɪ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A portion of light that diverges from a point source, such as the sun, and travels in a straight line through space.

Examples

• The beam of light was blocked by a ray of sunlight.
• Rays of light penetrated the forest floor.

Synonyms

• Beam
• Stream

Antonyms

• Shadow
• Darkness

Etymology

The word “ray” comes from the Old French word “raie,” meaning “a beam of light.”

Usage Notes

Ray can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts to refer to a portion of light.

Cultural References

Ray appears in the name of the 1991 film “The Ray,” a science fiction thriller.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Shot in the ray ( idiomatic expression)

Related Words or Phrases

• Light
• Beam
• Stream

Collocations

• Ray of sunlight
• Ray of hope

Frequency of Use

Ray is commonly used in everyday language and in scientific contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Rae
• Raei