rayless

[ rey-lis ]

adjective

1. lacking rays ray or raylike parts.
2. unlit, dark, or gloomy:

   a rayless cave.

rayless

/ ˈreɪlɪs /

adjective

1. dark; gloomy
2. lacking rays

   a rayless flower

Derived Forms

• ˈraylessly, adverb
• ˈraylessness, noun

Other Words From

• rayless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rayless¹

First recorded in 1735–45; ray ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

When the reddleman's figure could no longer be seen, Wildeve himself descended and plunged into the rayless hollow of the vale.

From Project Gutenberg

So there they stood, seven sorrowful little figures engulfed in the rayless despair of childhood and the bitterness of poverty.

From Project Gutenberg

The sky had cleared; and the moon, changed to blood-red hues, hung like a rayless sun midway in the nocturnal heavens.

From Project Gutenberg

Her face did not please the mother; it seemed haughty in its sternness and immobility, and her eyes were rayless.

From Project Gutenberg

Never before had all glint of hope been lost in rayless blackness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• black
• cloudy
• darkened
• dim
• dingy
• drab
• dull
• foggy
• gloomy
• misty
• murky
• overcast
• shadowy
• somber