ray
n. countablen. a narrow line of light or heat that comes from the sun or another bright object. It can also describe a small amount of a good feeling, like hope.
n. a narrow beam of light or other radiant energy, such as heat or X-rays, emanating from a central source. In a figurative sense, it denotes a slight but perceptible amount of a positive quality.
A single ray of sunlight shines through the window.
The clouds parted for a moment, allowing a bright ray of light to illuminate the valley below.
Despite the grim economic forecast, the recent increase in consumer spending provided a small ray of hope for local business owners struggling to stay afloat.
* As an English surname, from pet forms derived from the root of Raymond. * Also as an English surname, from Old French rei (“king”). Compare Roy, King. * Also as an English surname, from Old English rā (“roe deer”). Compare Roe. * Also as an English surname, variant of Wray and Rye. * As a Scottish Gaelic surname, shortened from McRae. * As a French surname, from the verb raier (“to gush out, flow, radiate”). Compare Leray. * As a Polish and Slovene surname, Americanized from Raj, from raj (“paradise”). * As an Indian surname, variant of Rai.
From Persian ری (ray /rey), from Middle Persian, from Old Persian 𐎼𐎥𐎠 (r-g-a /ragā/), a Median district. Compare Akkadian 𒊏𒂵𒀪 (ra-ga-'), Elamite 𒊩𒋡𒀭 (rák-ka₄-an) (loc.), Ancient Greek Ῥάγαι (Rhágai), Latin Rhagae, Rhaganae, Iranian borrowings.
Often used in the phrase 'a ray of' followed by an abstract noun like 'hope', 'sunshine', or 'comfort'.