electric ray

noun

: any of various round-bodied short-tailed rays (family Torpedinidae) of warm seas with a pair of electric organs

Examples of electric ray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The name E-Ray, from the electric ray sea creature, is a play on the Stingray name of the base model. Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 17 Jan. 2023 The Romans also used non-static electricity from torpedo fish, a name for various species of electric ray, to deliver shocks to patients with maladies including headaches and hemorrhoids. The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electric ray was in 1774

Dictionary Entries Near electric ray

Cite this Entry

“Electric ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electric%20ray. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

electric ray

noun
: any of various round-bodied short-tailed rays of warm seas able to give a severe electric shock

Medical Definition

electric ray

noun
: any of various round-bodied short-tailed rays (family Torpedinidae) of warm seas that have a pair of specialized tracts of tissue in which electricity is generated

More from Merriam-Webster on electric ray

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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