VocabDictionary

ray guns

/ˈreɪ ˌɡʌnz/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A fictional weapon, typically found in science fiction, that fires a concentrated beam of energy, light, or radiation rather than a physical projectile.

Example Sentences:
  • The retro-futuristic hero pointed his chrome ray gun at the invading alien fleet.
  • Many classic science fiction films from the 1950s featured iconic, clunky-looking ray guns.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “ray guns”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term emerged in the early 20th century within the genre of science fiction. It is a compound of 'ray' (referring to a beam of electromagnetic radiation or energy) and 'gun' (a weapon). It gained widespread popularity through pulp magazines and early space-opera films like 'Flash Gordon' and 'Buck Rogers', representing a futuristic evolution of projectile weaponry.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'ray' of light that acts like a 'gun' to shoot targets.

Frequently Asked Questions About “ray guns

1. What is the meaning of “ray guns” in English?

In English, ray guns (noun) is defined as: “A fictional weapon, typically found in science fiction, that fires a concentrated beam of energy, light, or radiation rather than a physical projectile.”.

2. How do you use “ray guns” in a sentence?

The retro-futuristic hero pointed his chrome ray gun at the invading alien fleet.

3. What are English synonyms of “ray guns”?

Common synonyms include:laser guns,blasters,phasers,energy weapons

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “ray guns”?

The term emerged in the early 20th century within the genre of science fiction. It is a compound of 'ray' (referring to a beam of electromagnetic radiation or energy) and 'gun' (a weapon). It gained widespread popularity through pulp magazines and early space-opera films like 'Flash Gordon' and 'Buck Rogers', representing a futuristic evolution of projectile weaponry.