Langimage
English

ray

|ray|

B1

/reɪ/

beam of light

Etymology
Etymology Information

'ray' originates from Old French 'rai', which came from Latin 'radius', meaning 'spoke of a wheel, beam of light'.

Historical Evolution

'rai' transformed into the Middle English word 'ray', and eventually became the modern English word 'ray'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'spoke of a wheel', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'beam of light'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a narrow beam of light.

A ray of sunlight broke through the clouds.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a line or stream of something that radiates from a central point.

The rays of the sun spread warmth across the land.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to emit rays or radiate.

The lighthouse rayed its light across the sea.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40