Word Study
rachis
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun rachis has 2 senses
- rachis(n = noun.plant) Array - axis of a compound leaf or compound inflorescence; Array is a kind of axis
- rachis(n = noun.body) back, backbone, spinal column, spine, vertebral column - the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; "the fall broke his back" has particulars: notochord, chine
has parts: canalis vertebralis, spinal canal, vertebral canal, coccyx, tail bone, vertebra, intervertebral disc, intervertebral disk
is a kind of skeletal structure
is a part of axial skeleton
CIDE DICTIONARY
rachis, n. [NL., fr. Gr. "ra`chis, -ios.].
- The spine; the vertebral column. [1913 Webster]
- Same as Rhachis. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
rachis, n. (pl. rachides)
1 Bot. a a stem of grass etc. bearing flower-stalks at short intervals. b the axis of a compound leaf or frond.
2 Anat. the vertebral column or the cord from which it develops.
3 Zool. a feather-shaft, esp. the part bearing the barbs.
1 Bot. a a stem of grass etc. bearing flower-stalks at short intervals. b the axis of a compound leaf or frond.
2 Anat. the vertebral column or the cord from which it develops.
3 Zool. a feather-shaft, esp. the part bearing the barbs.
Derivative
rachidial adj.
Etymology
mod.L f. Gk rhakhis spine: the E pl. -ides is erron.
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