Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

ordinary ray

noun

Definition of ordinary ray 

: the part of a ray divided in two by double refraction that follows the ordinary laws of refraction because its speed is the same in all directions through the doubly refracting medium

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about ordinary ray

Share ordinary ray

Resources for ordinary ray

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near ordinary ray

Ordinary level

ordinary of the season

ordinary point

ordinary ray

ordinary seaman

ordinary share

ordinate

Statistics for ordinary ray

Look-up Popularity

Comments on ordinary ray

What made you want to look up ordinary ray? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

rebuff

to reject or criticize sharply

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games