any of the rays, esp. of the family Dasyatidae, having a long, flexible tail armed near the base with a strong, serrated bony spine with which they can inflict painful wounds.
Main Entry: sting·ray Pronunciation: 'sti[ng]-"rA also -rE Function: noun : any of numerous large flat cartilaginous fishes (order Rajiformesand especially family Dasyatidae) with one or more large sharp barbed dorsal spines near the base of the whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds
[sting-rey] 
