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What is "obscure rays"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Obscure rays

Obscure \Ob*scure"\ ([o^]b*sk[=u]r"), a. [Compar. Obscurer ([o^]b*sk[=u]r"[~e]r); superl. Obscurest.] [L. obscurus, orig., covered; ob- (see Ob-) + a root probably meaning, to cover; cf. L. scutum shield, Skr. sku to cover: cf. F. obscur. Cf. Sky.]

  1. Covered over, shaded, or darkened; destitute of light; imperfectly illuminated; dusky; dim.

    His lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
    --Prov. xx. 20.

  2. Of or pertaining to darkness or night; inconspicuous to the sight; indistinctly seen; hidden; retired; remote from observation; unnoticed.

    The obscure bird Clamored the livelong night.
    --Shak.

    The obscure corners of the earth.
    --Sir J. Davies.

  3. Not noticeable; humble; mean. ``O base and obscure vulgar.''
    --Shak. ``An obscure person.''
    --Atterbury.

  4. Not easily understood; not clear or legible; abstruse or incomprehensible; as, an obscure passage or inscription.

  5. Not clear, full, or distinct; clouded; imperfect; as, an obscure view of remote objects.

    Obscure rays (Opt.), those rays which are not luminous or visible, and which in the spectrum are beyond the limits of the visible portion.

    Syn: Dark; dim; darksome; dusky; shadowy; misty; abstruse; intricate; difficult; mysterious; retired; unnoticed; unknown; humble; mean; indistinct.