rays

[/reɪz/]
nounpl: rays
raios
1. beams of light or radiation emanating from a source
The sun's rays warmed the beach.
Os raios do sol aqueceram a praia.
2. lines or streams of light, heat, or energy
Ultraviolet rays can damage skin.
Os raios ultravioleta podem danificar a pele.
3. plural of ray; a type of fish with a flat body and a venomous tail spine
The marine biologist studied the rays in the aquarium.
O biólogo marinho estudou as raias no aquário.
4. lines radiating from a central point
The flower petals arranged in rays around the center.
As pétalas da flor se arranjaram em raios ao redor do centro.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'raios' is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts. The phrase 'apanhar raios' or 'pegar raios' is colloquial for sunbathing. In American English, 'catching rays' is slang for sunbathing, particularly popular in beach culture.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
beamsshaftsstreamsradiation
Antonyms / Antônimos
darknessshadow

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
raios
standard term for both light beams and the fish species
Portugal
raios
same as Brazilian Portuguese; 'raias' commonly used for the fish
São Paulo
raios
standard usage, especially in scientific contexts
Rio de Janeiro
raios
standard usage with casual emphasis on solar rays

Related Words

lightsunradiationbeamraiaenergia

Related Idioms & Phrases

catch rays - apanhar sol (to sunbathe)
rays of hope - raios de esperança (glimmers of hope)
ray of light - raio de luz (a source of hope or inspiration)
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