(in science fiction) a gun that emits rays to paralyse, stun, or destroy
ray gun in American English
noun
1.
a gun that can fire bursts of usually destructive or lethal rays
a science fiction novel whose hero has a ray gun made of gold
2.
a child's futuristic toy gun that emits sparks, whirring noises, etc
Word origin
[1930–35]This word is first recorded in the period 1930–35. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: hypercorrection, preset, saddle stitch, uncertainty principle, video