heat ray
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A concentrated beam of radiant energy, especially infrared radiation, designed to transfer heat to a target, producing a thermal effect such as warming, burning, or causing pain.
Usage
The term "heat ray" is used to describe a directed energy beam whose primary effect is thermal. It is often discussed in scientific, military, and science fiction contexts. - The device emitted a powerful heat ray that could ignite objects from a distance. - Scientists are researching non-lethal heat ray technology for crowd control.
Advanced Usage
- Conceptual Use: In speculative contexts, "heat ray" can refer to futuristic or alien weaponry.
- The alien spaceship was armed with a devastating heat ray.
Variants and Related Words
- Radiant heater: A device that heats an area by emitting infrared radiation, conceptually similar to a diffuse, non-destructive heat ray.
- Directed-energy weapon: A broader category of weapons that includes lasers and particle beams, which may function as heat rays.
Synonyms
- Thermal beam
- Infrared beam
Related Phrases
- Ray gun: A generic science-fiction term for a handheld energy weapon, which may fire a "heat ray."
- Heat beam: A less common but synonymous phrase.
Noun
- a ray that produces a thermal effect