actinic ray

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a ray of light of short wavelengths, as ultraviolet or violet, that produces photochemical effects.

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Etymology

Origin of actinic ray

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

actinic ray

"What do you mean by the actinic ray?"

From The Wonder Island Boys: The Mysteries of the Caverns by Finlay, Roger Thompson

And I am not sure but that sympathy is love's own self, vitalized mayhap by some divine actinic ray.

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 02 Little Journeys To the Homes of Famous Women by Hubbard, Elbert

Elusive, delicate, alluring—it is the actinic ray that imparts vitality.

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 01 Little Journeys to the Homes of Good Men and Great by Hubbard, Elbert

The question is, then, what teaching concern in America supplies the best quality of actinic ray?

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 10 Little Journeys To The Homes Of Great Teachers by Hubbard, Elbert

An actinic ray from the lantern striking the plate will fog it.

From Harper's Round Table, May 28, 1895 by Various