death ray

noun

Definition of death ray

: a weapon that generates an intense beam of particles or radiation by which it destroys its target

Examples of death ray in a Sentence

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The Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes used the parabolic mirror, so the story goes, to deter a fleet of approaching ships, crafting a solar death ray using panels of what was likely polished bronze. — Maya Wei-haas, Smithsonian, "Your Burning Questions About the Olympic Torch, Answered," 9 Feb. 2018 Despite his breakthrough inventions (alternating current, fluorescent bulbs, lasers, robotics, wireless power and even a death ray), he's fallen into obscurity. — Andrea Simakis, cleveland.com, "2017 Fall Theater Preview: World premieres, ambitious works take center stage at Cleveland's small professional houses," 24 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'death ray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of death ray was in 1896

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More Definitions for death ray

death ray

noun

English Language Learners Definition of death ray

in stories : a weapon that sends out a very strong beam of energy that usually looks like light and that is able to destroy almost anything

See the full definition for death ray in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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