ray¹ / rā/ • n. 1. each of the lines in which light (and heat) may seem to stream from the sun or any luminous body, or pass through a small opening: a ray of sunlight came through the window. ∎  the straight line in which light or other electromagnetic radiation travels to a given point. ∎  (rays) a specified form of nonluminous radiation: water reflects and intensifies UV rays. ∎  Math. any of a set of straight lines passing through one point. ∎  (rays) inf., sunlight considered in the context of sunbathing: catch some rays on a secluded sandy beach. ∎ fig. an initial or slight indication of a positive or welcome quality in a time of difficulty or trouble: if only I could see some ray of hope. 2. a thing that is arranged radially, in particular: ∎  Bot. (in a composite flowerhead of the daisy family) an array of ray florets arranged radially around the central disc, forming the white part of the flowerhead of a daisy. ∎  (also fin ray) Zool. each of the long, slender bony protuberances supporting the fins of most bony fishes. ∎  Zool. each radial arm of a starfish.• v. [intr.] spread from or as if from a central point: delicate lines rayed out at each corner of her eyes. ∎  [tr.] poetic/lit. radiate (light): the sun rays forth its natural light into the air.PHRASES: ray of sunshine inf. a person or thing that brings happiness into the lives of others.DERIVATIVES: ray·less adj. ( chiefly Bot. ).ray² • n. a broad, flat marine or freshwater fish (Rajidae and other families) with a cartilaginous skeleton, winglike pectoral fins, and a long slender tail. Many rays have venomous spines or electric organs.

Ray ★★★ 2004 (PG-13)

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery than Foxx (who did win an Oscar) has it all covered for his depiction of the legendary Ray Charles in an extended biography that covers 1930 to 1966. This detailed, colorful, and straightforward retelling starts with young Ray Charles Robinson being sent away to better himself at a school for the blind. Ray finds musical success in the Seattle jazz scene but also gets firsthand knowledge of the dark side of the biz. While touring, he picks up a 20year heroin habit and an equally destructive addiction to women, although it's supportive wife Della Bea (Washington) who encourages Ray to develop his own style, a heady fusion of gospel and R&B. Hackford doesn't skimp on Ray's charms or faults and finds a workable balance between showcasing the musician's professional and personal lives. Foxx auditioned for Charles, who gave his approval for what became Foxx's breakout performance.152m/C VHS, DVD, HD DVD . US Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Aunjanue Ellis, Harry J. Lennix, Terrence Howard, Larenz Tate, Bokeem Woodbine, Curtis Armstrong, Richard Schiff, Wendell Pierce, Chris Thomas King, David Krumholtz, Warwick Davis, Robert Wisdom, Denise Dowse, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Rick Gomez, Kurt Fuller, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Patrick Bauchau; D: Taylor Hackford; W: James L. White; C: Pawel Edelman; M: Craig Armstrong. Oscars '04: Actor (Foxx), Sound; British Acad. '04: Actor (Foxx), Sound; Golden Globes '05: Actor—Mus./Comedy (Foxx); Screen Actors Guild '04: Actor (Foxx).

ray A line of cells that extends radially across secondary phloem and secondary xylem. It is initiated in the vascular cambium and consists mainly of parenchyma cells, although in gymnosperms it may also include tracheids.

ray Any of several species of cartilaginous, mostly marine fish related to the skate, shark and chimaera. The ray is flattened dorso-ventrally; its body extends sideways into large, wing-like pectoral fins that are ‘flapped’ while swimming. The tail is narrow, and may be whip-like or bear poisonous spines. Electric (torpedo) rays stun their prey with electrical charges of up to 200 volts. Length: 1.5m (5ft).

ray
1. (in optics) A narrow beam of radiation.

2. (in botany) See medullary ray.