WordLens

ray

1 of 2noun
/reɪ/
Forms:rays
1

a flat-bodied marine cartilaginous fish with eyes on the upper surface, swimming primarily using large, wing-like pectoral fins

A ray is a fascinating and graceful creature that belongs to the family of cartilaginous fish, closely related to sharks. They are characterized by their flattened bodies, which are disc-shaped or diamond-shaped, and their unique wing-like pectoral fins that give them the appearance of flying through the water. Rays have a variety of sizes and can be found in both saltwater and freshwater environments around the world. They are bottom-dwelling creatures, often camouflaging themselves in sandy or muddy areas to blend with their surroundings. Rays have a peaceful nature and are mostly gentle creatures, although some species possess venomous spines for self-defense.

  • The diver spotted a manta ray gliding over the reef.
  • Rays are closely related to sharks.
  • The aquarium displayed a giant freshwater ray.
  • Rays propel themselves with wing-like pectoral fins.
  • The fisherman caught a small ray while trawling near the coast.
2

a straight line that starts at a point and extends infinitely in one direction

  • The geometry teacher drew a ray from point A through point B.
  • In diagrams, rays are often labeled with the endpoint and another point.
  • A ray has a definite starting point but no end.
  • Angles are measured using two rays that share a common vertex.
  • The ray extends infinitely in one direction along the line.
3

a column of light, such as that emitted from a beacon or focused source

C1
  • A ray of sunlight streamed through the window.
  • The lighthouse sent a bright ray across the harbor.
  • He followed the ray into the dark tunnel.
  • Morning rays illuminated the dewy meadow.
  • A single ray from the torch revealed the hidden path.
4

a single branch of an umbel or an umbrella-shaped flower cluster

  • Each ray of the carrot flower bears several small blossoms.
  • Each ray of the sunflower's inflorescence holds tiny florets.
  • The daisy's white petals radiate from the central ray.
  • Botanists counted the number of rays in the umbrella-shaped flower.
  • The umbel's rays extended evenly from the center.
5

a stiff, segmented bony or cartilaginous structure that supports and extends the fins of a fish

  • Rays in the pectoral fin help the fish maneuver.
  • The fish's dorsal fin is supported by several rays.
  • Ichthyologists measured the number of rays on the caudal fin.
  • The soft rays in the tail provide flexibility while swimming.
  • Some fish have sharp rays that can injure handlers.
6

the syllable used in solmization to name the second note of a major scale

  • In the C major scale, the note D is sung as "ray."
  • Students practiced singing the scale from "do" to "ray."
  • The teacher explained that "ray" corresponds to the supertonic.
  • When composing melodies, she emphasized the "ray" note for harmonic effect.
  • Each solfège syllable, including "ray," helps train pitch recognition.
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