rachis

2 definitions found

rachis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Rachis \Ra"chis\ (r[=a]"k[i^]s), n.; pl. E. Rachises
     (r[=a]"k[i^]s*[e^]z), L. Rachides (r[a^]k"[i^]*d[=e]z).
     [NL., fr. Gr. "ra`chis, -ios.] [Written also rhachis.]
     1. (Anat.) The spine; the vertebral column.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Bot. & Zool.) Same as Rhachis.
        [1913 Webster]

rachis - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  rachis
      n 1: axis of a compound leaf or compound inflorescence
      2: the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and
         protecting the spinal cord; "the fall broke his back" [syn:
         spinal column, vertebral column, spine, backbone,
         back, rachis]