From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
ray
n 1: a column of light (as from a beacon) [syn: beam, beam of
light, light beam, ray, ray of light, shaft,
shaft of light, irradiation]
2: a branch of an umbel or an umbelliform inflorescence
3: (mathematics) a straight line extending from a point
4: a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation
[syn: beam, ray, electron beam]
5: the syllable naming the second (supertonic) note of any major
scale in solmization [syn: re, ray]
6: any of the stiff bony spines in the fin of a fish
7: cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and
enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside;
most swim by moving the pectoral fins
v 1: emit as rays; "That tower rays a laser beam for miles
across the sky"
2: extend or spread outward from a center or focus or inward
towards a center; "spokes radiate from the hub of the wheel";
"This plants radiate spines in all directions" [syn:
radiate, ray]
3: expose to radiation; "irradiate food" [syn: irradiate,
ray]