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ray

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

ray in physics, term denoting the straight line along which light or other form of radiation is propagated from its source. It generally refers to the line of propagation of waves but is also applied to streams of particles such as the electrons emitted from a cathode or particles emitted by substances exhibiting radioactivity . See cosmic rays ; X ray .

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ray

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Copyright

ray1 line of light XIV (various techn. senses from XVII). — (O)F. rai :- L. radius; see RADIUS.

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T. F. HOAD. "ray." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "ray." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-ray.html

T. F. HOAD. "ray." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-ray.html

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ray

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

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

2. (in botany) See medullary ray.

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"ray." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-ray.html

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