ra·chis (r  k s)n. pl. ra·chis·es or rach·i·des (r  k-d z , rk-) Biology A main axis or shaft, such as the main stem of an inflorescence, the stalk of a pinnately compound leaf, or the spinal column. [New Latin, from Greek rhakhis, spine, ridge.] ra chi·al adj. |
rachis, rhachis [ˈreɪkɪs]
n pl rachises, rhachises, rachides rhachides [ˈrækɪˌdiːz ˈreɪ-]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) Botany the main axis or stem of an inflorescence or compound leaf
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) Ornithol the shaft of a feather, esp the part that carries the barbs
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) another name for vertebral column
[via New Latin from Greek rhakhis ridge]
rachial , rhachial [ˈreɪkɪəl], rachidial, rhachidial [rəˈkɪdɪəl] adj
| rachis (rks) Plural rachises or rachides (r k-dz, rk-) A main axis or shaft, such as the main stem of an inflorescence, the stalk of a pinnately compound leaf, the shaft of a feather, or the spinal column. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  rachis - axis of a compound leaf or compound inflorescenceaxis - the main stem or central part about which plant organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged |
| 2. |  rachis - the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; "the fall broke his back"notochord - a flexible rodlike structure that forms the supporting axis of the body in the lowest chordates and lowest vertebrates and in embryos of higher vertebrates chine - backbone of an animal canalis vertebralis, spinal canal, vertebral canal - the canal in successive vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes vertebra - one of the bony segments of the spinal column intervertebral disc, intervertebral disk - a fibrocartilaginous disc serving as a cushion between all of the vertebrae of the spinal column (except between the first two) skeletal structure - any structure created by the skeleton of an organism axial skeleton - the part of the skeleton that includes the skull and spinal column and sternum and ribs |
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