rachis Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun axis of a compound leaf or compound inflorescence
  2. noun the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
    spinal column; spine; vertebral column; backbone; back.
    • the fall broke his back

WordNet

Ra"chis noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. .
Wordforms
plural E Rachises L Rachides
Definitions
  1. (Anat.) The spine; the vertebral column.
  2. (Bot. & Zoöl.) Same as Rhachis.

Webster 1913