ANSWERS: 1
  • The word ray has a variety of meanings, many of which are utilized in the fields of science--botany, astronomy, physics, optics and mathematics.

    Definition 1

    A ray can refer to a narrow beam of light, such as a sun ray, solar ray or ray of sunlight. Eventually this meaning extended to include a feeling equated to such a phenomenon, defined as a "positive or welcome quality, state, or feeling comparable to a ray of light."

    Definition 2

    Another definition of ray can refer to a gleam or a slight or otherwise small manifestation of something, such as a ray of hope. Essentially meaning a trace of something, its first recorded usage was in 1773.

    Definition 3

    As a colloquial reference, rays can refer to sun or sunshine in the context of sunbathing or tanning. One is said to be catching rays when they engage in such an activity. Generally, it can be extended to refer to simply relaxing in the sun as well, with or without the aim of tanning.

    Definition 4

    When used as a verb, it means to subject to the action of rays, such as "to x-ray" an object in the field of radiotherapy.

    Definition 5

    In physics and optics, a ray refers to the lines or streams in which a light seems to radiate. In math it is also referred to as a half-line, or one of a system of straight lines emanating from a point, and in botany it can refer to a portion of a flower head.

    Source:

    Oxford English Dictionary

    Dictionary.com

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