rai (r?)n. A form of popular Algerian music combining traditional Arabic vocal styles with various elements of popular Western music and featuring outspoken, often controversial lyrics.[Algerian French raï, perhaps from dialectal Arabic (ha er-)ray, (here is the) view (frequently heard in the songs), from Arabic ra’y, view, from ra’?, to observe; see r?y in Semitic roots.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.rai (ra?) n (Pop Music) a type of Algerian popular music based on traditional Algerian music influenced by modern Western pop[C20: Arabic, literally: opinion]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014rai (ra?) n. a style of Algerian popular music played on electric guitar, synthesizer, and percussion instruments. [1985?90; of uncertain orig.] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.