Grapple ray, not to be mistaken with grapple gun, is often used terminology for a science fiction projectile that shoots glowing nets possibly made out of plasma to subdue an opponent. Possibly derived from a type of heat-ray mode from H.G. Wells classic The War of the Worlds, Grapple rays can be used by any means of projectile. Grapple rays are sometimes seen in comics, movies, and science fiction as a way to subdue someone.