Rachis

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  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}]
       [also: {rhachises} (pl)]